How DE23 Active Helped a 70-Year-Old Woman Learn to Swim for the First Time
- atfderby
- May 28
- 2 min read
Last summer, a woman in her seventies joined our women-only swimming sessions for the very first time. Before then, she had never stepped foot in a swimming pool. For years, she had wanted to learn how to swim, but there were always barriers in the way. As a Muslim woman who doesn’t speak English, she didn’t feel that her local leisure centre were made for someone like her. The thought of asking about women-only sessions felt too intimidating—and so the idea of swimming remained a distant dream. That changed when she found DE23 Active.
A Space That Finally Felt Safe
Through our women-only sessions at Moorways/Everyone Active, she found a space where she felt comfortable, respected, and supported. With female-only lifeguards, blinds for privacy, and a warm, welcoming environment, the sessions were shaped around the needs of women like her.
She was especially grateful for Tyra, one of our incredible volunteers, who was there to help translate and support her every step of the way. And thanks to that support? She learned how to swim—in her seventies. Something she once thought was out of reach is now one of her proudest achievements.
Building Confidence, One Step at a Time
Since then, she’s embraced other activities too. She now attends our Yoga and Pilates sessions at the Pakistan Community Centre on a regular basis, making physical activity a new and enjoyable part of her routine.
Inspired by her progress and new-found confidence, she even enrolled in English classes—something she never imagined doing before.
“It’s never too late to learn,” she shared with us.“I hope it encourages other women my age to keep going and try something new.”
Why Her Story Matters
This woman’s journey shows exactly what DE23 Active is all about: breaking barriers, building confidence, and creating spaces where everyone feels they belong. It’s not just about swimming or exercise—it’s about empowerment, opportunity, and community. And most importantly, it’s about reminding us all that you’re never too old to try something new.
If this story inspires you or someone you know, we’d love to hear from you. Email us at de23active@communityactionderby.org.uk and find out how you can take that first step.
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