Community Wave
From "THINC Fund Vote: Large Projects (£25,000-£50,000)"
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The Wave Academy CIC is asking for £50,000 to deliver funded, high-quality swimming lessons for a full academic year, ensuring children swim consistently to develop strong, lasting skills. The Wave Academy CIC will also run funded crash courses, 1:1 and 3:1 lessons during the summer holidays. To remove barriers, we will provide swimming equipment and personal care items (swimwear, goggles, toiletries, snacks, etc.) to families in need. The Wave Academy CIC will create funded training pathways into the leisure industry for young people (Years 10–13) and unemployed adults, offering qualifications such as NPLQ Lifeguard and ASA Swim Teacher, along with work experience and employment with established links through Southwark Leisure.
Families within The Wave Academy CIC will have access to an SEN/Education Advisor for support with behaviour, emotional regulation and EHCPs etc. and a Community Support Advisor to assist with welfare, housing, and employment issues etc.
This project will build swimming competence, boost employability and provide vital family support — strengthening our local community for the long term.
The Wave Academy CIC aims to support all priority communities, ensuring everyone feels welcome, represented, and supported in learning to swim and navigating key life milestones.
While open to all, our primary focus is on Black, Asian, and other ethnic minority communities from low-income backgrounds, who are statistically less likely to access swimming and leisure opportunities. We aim to break down barriers to participation and create an inclusive, empowering environment that reflects our community’s diversity.
This project will increase water confidence and safety in a community where 95% of Black adults and 80% of Black children cannot swim, in a borough where 25% of residents identify as Black. By removing financial and cultural barriers, we will close this gap and equip families with life-saving skills.
Families will gain a sense of belonging, improved physical and mental wellbeing and stronger social connections. Young people will access positive, structured opportunities and clear routes into employment, while our family support services will help improve quality of life.
Funding will enable:
- Year-round funded swimming lessons for adults and children.
- Employment pathways through funded leisure industry training.
- SEN/Education and Community Support Surgeries for families.
- Appointment of a Company Secretary to strengthen governance and ensure long-term sustainability.
With over 20 years of experience in the swimming industry, from competitive swimmer to lifeguard to qualified teacher to the founder of The Wave Academy CIC, I have seen first-hand the barriers many families face in accessing high-quality swimming lessons and support. There is strong community demand for this support, but cost has been a major obstacle.
The Wave Academy CIC is built on deep industry knowledge, community trust, and proven demand, which together provide a strong foundation for lasting success.