The Moray Hydrotherapy Pool on Burdsyard Road has been awarded more than £30,000 for running costs
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A REGIONAL health facility in Forres has been awarded more than £30,000 for running costs.
The Moray Hydrotherapy Pool on Burdsyard Road has accepted £18,660 from the Berry Burn Community Fund, £1,232 from the Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation, £10,00 from the National Lottery Community Fund and £500 from Forres Rotary, as well as donations from individuals.
Hydropool committee chairman James ‘Doc’ Anderson is “hugely grateful” for the support.
He said: “We take this as a validation that hydrotherapy is valued in our community so will be preserved and developed.
“The recent improvement in our finances has enabled us to replace ageing, essential equipment and to feel secure about meeting current running costs.”
The committee would like to upgrade the changing facilities, particularly for the severely disabled.
Doc said: “This will require significant structural changes within the building so will be expensive. Starting a sinking fund to make improvements realistic is a sensible step.
“The time is right to try and acquire more funds to make further improvements but meantime, a very big thank you to those who have put us in a healthier position.”
Moray Hydrotherapy Pool, originally opened in 2011, is used by a wide range of people, including those with arthritis, MS and cerebral palsy. It is also great for those recovering from injuries or accidents.
Hydrotherapy uses warm water for pain relief and treatment, stimulating blood circulation and treating symptoms of certain diseases.
Attendances have crept up beyond Covid levels with encouragement from health professionals.
Doc said: “Without constant reminders of the existence of the facility, it is understandable that the majority of people will not know what it can do for them.
“Word of mouth is important so I would ask those who have found it of benefit to tell their friends.”
The pool also provides for young swimmers. Purple Turtles (3-6-years) and Little Fins (babies- 4-and-a-half with parents) sessions provide lessons and experience in the water for more than 200 children-a-week.
“In this context, the part played by parent and child groups is vital,” said Doc. “The initial motivation in creating the pool was to assist those with physical problems but it has a lot more to offer than that. The safe introduction of the very young to the joys of water activities is exciting.”
Call 01309 672984 or visit https://www.morayhydrotherapypool.co.uk/ for more information.
