Award boosts £600k fundraising drive for vital community pool
A SIX figure award has been made by the NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation towards the development of a new purpose built hydrotherapy pool in Perth.
The £100,000 award helps to close the £600,000 funding gap needed for this vital facility, which is a key feature of Capability Scotland’s £28 million Our Inclusive Community Project (OICP).
This vital redevelopment promises to transform the lives of disabled residents at the Perth facility while creating lasting benefits for the broader community.
Moving from its current location near the River Tay, Capability Scotland plans to replace its outdated Upper Springland facilities with a modern, state-of-the-art residential and community hub in Perth.
Shelley McCarthy, charity chief officer of NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation said: “Projects like this are vital for the health and wellbeing of the Perth community.
“The Foundation is really passionate in helping organisations like Capability Scotland to achieve our vision to help the people of Tayside live better and longer lives.”
Hydrotherapy, which utilises the buoyancy, warmth, and resistance of water, provides therapeutic benefits that are difficult to achieve through land-based therapies. It is particularly effective for individuals with neurological conditions, offering improved mobility, balance, and overall physical and mental wellbeing.
Ailsa Wallace, Head of Fundraising and Communications at Capability Scotland, said: “We are extremely grateful to receive this generous £100,000 award from the NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation to help fund Our Inclusive Community Project.
“The hydrotherapy pool will be a vital resource for those we support, offering tailored therapies that can transform lives. It also allows us to extend access to external groups and individuals, promoting inclusion and fostering community connections.
“This project is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine the care and services we provide and set a new standard for inclusive living.
“Our Inclusive Community Project isn’t just about replacing outdated facilities. It’s about creating a vibrant, inclusive environment where residents can thrive, connect with the community, and achieve their goals. The hydrotherapy pool is an integral part of this vision, and we are excited to see how it will enhance lives across Perth and beyond.”
More than 80% of residents and day service users at Capability Scotland’s facility will benefit from the hydrotherapy pool, offering vital support for those facing significant physical challenges due to neurological conditions.
Transforming lives beyond physical rehabilitation, participants immersed in hydrotherapy report remarkable improvements in mental health, reduced stress levels, and newfound feelings of empowerment and accomplishment. Such comprehensive care brings welcome peace of mind to families and carers supporting their loved ones.
Groundbreaking research conducted by Capability Scotland, in partnership with Queen Margaret University, demonstrates hydrotherapy’s crucial role in maintaining joint flexibility, addressing muscle tone irregularities, and boosting cardiovascular endurance.
Building on existing partnerships with “Simple Swim” and “Water Babies,” this state-of-the-art facility will welcome local schools and organisations to share in its benefits, cementing its position as a cornerstone of community well-being.
Our Inclusive Community Project is Capability Scotland’s most significant and complex project to date, with over £24 million of the required £28 million already secured.
At the heart of this innovative development will be 60 fully adapted studio flats, each equipped with advanced assistive technology. Residents and community members will also enjoy access to a vibrant community hub featuring a teaching kitchen, sensory room, accessible gym, meeting spaces, and the therapeutic hydrotherapy pool.
The organisation’s commitment to a co-production approach has been central to the project’s design. By collaborating with residents, staff, families, and architects, the team has ensured the new facility reflects the needs and aspirations of those it serves.
Capability Scotland is calling on supporters to help bridge the funding gap and make this transformative project a reality. Its fundraising campaign Swim the Distance, led by Olympic swimmer Dan Wallace, invites participants to take on swimming challenges to raise money for the hydrotherapy pool.
For more information about the Our Inclusive Community Project and how to support the hydrotherapy pool, visit the website here.
