Council-run pools recognised for inclusive, health-focused swimming provision
Telford & Wrekin Leisure has seen its four municipal swimming pools awarded the Swim England Water Wellbeing Accreditation, with certification granted for a two-year period. The sites named are Wellington, Oakengates, Newport and Abraham Darby, reflecting a borough-wide achievement for aquatic services.
The accreditation is intended to acknowledge facilities that provide accessible and inclusive water-based programmes supporting residents’ physical health, mental wellbeing and social connections. For local people, the recognition is likely to reinforce confidence in the standard and safety of activities offered at their neighbourhood pools.
- Wellington Swimming Pool — part of the four-site award.
- Oakengates — included in the accreditation.
- Newport — recognised alongside the other council pools.
- Abraham Darby — completes the four sites certified.
The council says the award highlights the work done across all sites to make swimming and water-based activity welcoming to all ages and abilities. It also forms part of Telford & Wrekin Leisure’s wider aim to provide services that are both accessible and affordable, supporting healthier, more active communities across the borough.
“We are incredibly proud that all four of our swimming facilities have achieved the Swim England Water Wellbeing Accreditation. This is a fantastic accomplishment and reflects the dedication, expertise and passion of our teams.”
Local leisure managers see the accreditation as an endorsement of varied benefits that pool programmes can deliver. Swimming is widely used by health professionals and community groups as a low-impact form of exercise suitable for older residents, people with mobility issues and families with young children, and it can play an important part in recovery from injury as well as in general fitness.
| Site | Accreditation |
|---|---|
| Wellington | Swim England Water Wellbeing Accreditation (2 years) |
| Oakengates | Swim England Water Wellbeing Accreditation (2 years) |
| Newport | Swim England Water Wellbeing Accreditation (2 years) |
| Abraham Darby | Swim England Water Wellbeing Accreditation (2 years) |
For residents, the practical outcomes may include reassurance about safeguarding, staff training and programme quality at the pools, as these are typical elements assessed by Swim England for the Water Wellbeing standard. The award may also help the leisure service to attract funding and partnerships focused on community health and to promote initiatives aimed at removing barriers to participation.
Local elected members welcomed the achievement as evidence of the council’s commitment to culture, tourism and leisure services that benefit wellbeing across Telford and Wrekin. The accreditation bolsters the council’s credentials as a provider of inclusive leisure opportunities and supports ongoing efforts to increase participation and reduce health inequalities.
Those interested in using the pools — whether for fitness swimming, classes, family sessions or disability-friendly activities — should contact Telford & Wrekin Leisure or visit the council website for the latest timetables and information on any targeted programmes designed to improve access and affordability.
By securing the nationally recognised standard across all four sites, Telford & Wrekin Leisure aims to ensure that swimming remains a visible and viable option for residents seeking to improve physical health, mental wellbeing and community connection.
