Abbeycroft improves accessibility to swimming with new £38,000 Pool Pod investment in Haverhill

19 Mar 2025

Abbeycroft, who manages Haverhill Leisure Centre on behalf of West Suffolk Council, is excited to announce the installation of a state-of-the-art Pool Pod, designed to enhance accessibility and comfort for swimmers of all abilities.

Activity Alliance, the national charity and leading voice for disabled people in sport and activity states that only three in ten disabled people believe that they have the same opportunity to be active as non-disabled people and despite a slight improvement before the pandemic, disabled people remain twice as likely to be inactive.

One of the major challenges for people with physical disabilities, long-term conditions or mobility issues accessing swimming is the ability to enter and leave the pool in a respectful way.  Haverhill has around 7,200 people who are disabled or have long-term health conditions.

Pool Pods provide dignified and independent access for swimmers who find it hard to get in or out of the swimming pool, such as wheelchair users, older adults, pregnant women and those with limited mobility. Unlike a traditional pool hoist, the user can independently control the operation, using a specially designed wristband, without the need for a pool attendant's intervention.

Funding for the new Pool Pod has been generously provided by three Trusts - St Edmunds Trust, Bruce Wake Charitable Trust and Peter Harrison Foundation.

Tracey Loynds, Operations Director at Abbeycroft said:

“We’re thrilled to introduce the innovative Pool Pod at Haverhill. This investment demonstrates our commitment to making our facilities accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. It will provide a more comfortable and independent swimming experience for individuals with limited mobility, empowering them to enjoy the benefits of swimming and water exercise and we are hopeful that more people in Haverhill and the surrounding areas will utilise the new equipment."

Cllr Ian Shipp, Cabinet Member for Leisure at West Suffolk Council, said:

“We are delighted that Haverhill Leisure Centre has installed a life-changing Pool Pod thanks to funding from Trusts. The new equipment reduces the barriers to accessing water-based activities by allowing users to be comfortable and independent. Enabling people to be physically active contributes to our thriving communities as individuals are able to enhance their health and wellbeing.”
 

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