First and foremost my mental health has definitely improved. The cold water is like magic.

For those few minutes nothing else matters.

But....The friendships are like nothing else. Friendships as strong as family. Friends made all over the country which is so lovely. Everyone has the same interests. Everyone looks after each other, regardless of sex, whether you wear a wetsuit or wear nothing, what you weigh, what job you have, what car you drive! No prejudices!!! Not many places that is the case these days.

Sam

Previously, I have had depression, and still have SAD. The camaraderie and support given help enormously. The advice given is always with care, and the friendship offered is heartwarming. I happily encourage others to join.

Rebecca, Blaenavon Bluetits

I left my fiancé last year and cancelled my wedding.. My whole world was upside down. Then I decided to join the group and tag along to the swims. Honestly it's kept me sane through it all. Met some wonderful people in a few months but most importantly, I found myself... The world didn't seem so sad anymore. Few months later, I'm a dry robe owner and down at the swims any opportunity I get.

Lucy, Wirral Bluetits

Having retired from policing after 30 years, I was diagnosed with PTSD. As most people know this has a very negative impact on the lives of all those who suffer.

I moved to my current home in Ceredigion having lived quite an isolated life with my wife who has continued to be a massive support to me.

I found the Bluetits on line and started chatting with my local group but never plucked up the courage to actually join them for a dip. PTSD has an amazing ability to destroy a persons confidence.

One of the things that did worry me was the thought of being the only guy in the group as I hadn't seen or spoken to any other guys.

I thought I might be intruding and make the ladies feel uncomfortable. Anyway I bumped into a group at Llanina point whilst our walking my dog and spoke to them. They were very friendly and encouraging and included a guy. After that I braved my first dip at New Quay with the group and since then have got to know them and have socialised with them after a swim.

This has all given me a much brighter outlook and boosted my confidence. It has helped so much with my mental health issues and my wife has commented on how much brighter and more positive I am. I can't thank my swim buddies enough. Thank you all.

Norman, Ceredigion Bluetits

It’s been a huge help I struggle with arthritis and find that the cold water helps to reduce the inflammation in my body. The group is friendly and supportive and look forward to my dips at the weekend. It has helped me cope with losing my husband 3 years ago and gave me a reason to get up and leave the house on my low days.

Sue, Newton Buoyant Bluetits

At the very end of December 2023 my 55 year old husband died, he had been poorly but we hadn't expected him to die, my life from that point was plunged into the complete unknown, we had been married for 31 years, so living without him has been a massive struggle.

At times I have really felt like I have lost the purpose to my life, as it has changed so irrecoverably (I was also made redundant just before my husband became poorly) Cold water dipping and the friendships I've made through the Bluetits really has really been a life saver for me, it has given me a reason to get out of bed in the morning, physically the cold water can change my feelings from utter sadness to laughter (of survival) from being battered by the waves.

I have made some really lovely friendships in the past year, through the Bluetits, these Tits are a really special bunch of people who have really helped and are continuing to help me get me through the most awful time of my life.

Ali, Pembrokeshire Bluetits

I first came across the Highcliffe Bluetits one day last Summer . Sadly I was in the very early days recovering from an ectopic pregnancy, which very nearly took my life .

I sat having a coffee at the beach and another lady started talking to me about how incredible the Bluetits were. I went home and joined the Facebook page and ever since that day I’ve never looked back.

I suffer with anxiety and find it extremely challenging to join groups. I found the courage to go and both Daisy and Sarah were incredibly welcoming and supportive. I felt so empowered to be with a group of people who were genuinely there to support each other. Not just in the water but the chit chat afterwards provided me with so much comfort.

I often tell my story about how the Bluetits helped to save my life 💙 I feel such joy to walk along the seafront and see my flock. The Highcliffe Bluetits is incredible and has been a huge part of my physical and mental recovery. I take such pride wearing my Bluetits pink bobble hat!

Thank you Bluetits HQ for the opportunity to share my story xxx

Nikki, Highcliffe Bluetits