Open Minds Active

The water’s warming up, the lighter evenings are back, and our swim courses start next week 💙

We’ve got one for people wanting to get comfortable in open water, and another for those wanting to build confidence with front crawl.

No pressure and no need to feel like you have to be a “swimmer” already.

Just a relaxed group, plenty of support, and time in the water together 🫶

Details are in the link here: https://www.openmindsactive.org/events-workshops

Our Learn to Surf programme is now FULL for this cohort 🌊

But here’s a little glimpse of what the sessions look like in action 💙

Loads of encouragement, confidence building, connection, and plenty of fun in the water.

If you missed out this time, keep your eyes peeled for some upcoming ‘Play in the Bay’ sessions The Wave later this summer.

These sessions are all about having fun in the water without the surfing, think ... feet paddling in the shallows, jumping through white water, building water confidence, and creating joyful memories in the waves all with a group of people you can trust.

You can watch the full video on our Youtube channel: https://youtu.be/Ci0cSQRkogc?si=4oPbmpCiEz9O5yNL 🤘

Don’t forget, there are plenty of ways to get involved in nature-based activities through our programmes, as well as lots of other opportunities to connect, explore and have fun through the Nature Consortia (find us on Instagram ✨

Friday Harbour Swim 💙

Slow mornings, cold water, and stunning views across the harbour.

Our Harbour Swim sessions in partnership with are back at Baltic Wharf, creating space to move, connect, and feel good in the water right in the Centre of Bristol.

⏰Fridays, 9–10am

👉May 22nd
👉June 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th

Spaces are limited, with priority given to people with a mental or physical health need.

To secure a place, email: [email protected]

“I felt like I was in a cocoon,
but now I’ve found my butterfly wings.”

Someone said this to us who attended one of our programmes, and it’s stayed with us.

That shift doesn’t happen all at once, its gradual and non linear.

For some people, it’s just getting in.

For others, it’s staying a little longer, or swimming a bit further than before.

It all counts 💙

We’ve got our summer swim challenge coming up. Why not set yourself a gentle challenge. There’s plenty of time to build up to it in your own way.

If you’re curious, you can find out by clicking the link in our bio 💙

What our community say 💙

“It has given me a chance to connect, a reason to get up and get out and do exercise I know is good and beneficial for my mental and physical health. Swimming in cold water and in nature boosts my wellbeing and lifts my confidence.” - Wild Swim for Wellbeing participant, 2025

Our referrals have just opened for 2026.

Although you can self refer, to manage expectations, please note spaces are limited and offered to people with a mental and/or physical health need who live within Bristol.

🔗 https://www.elementalsoftware.site/natureconsortia/self-refer

Happy Red Nose Day from the learn to swim crew!
Huge thanks to who help keep us going and help elevate and amplify the work we do! Good luck and thank you to everyone raising funds today, so many incredible projects and organisations will benefit. ♥️♥️♥️