Dip a Day for Refugee Resource

Hello. Taking the baton from other swimmers*, I've been inspired to do a dip-a-day in April, following on from other swimmers who have done it through the winter months.

When I've been swimming in open water in the past few years, I've always done it voluntarily. It has given me joy, I've sought it out, I've loved every moment of it. This winter, I decided to swim regularly swim in rivers and the sea through the season, to experience the changing temperatures, to experience the world anew. For me, it is an active choice and it is life affirming.

However, this is not the case for everyone, and I'm keenly aware that whilst I make a choice to be in water, for others crossing open water and the sea can carry the risk of death. Making a commitment to swim in open water everyday, wherever I am, is something I want to do, particularly in the current political climate.

In swimming every day, I'm hoping to raise at least £500 for Refugee Resource, a charity based in Oxford which works to relieve distress, improve well-being and facilitate the integration of refugees and asylum seekers in Oxfordshire, by providing psychological, social and practical support. https://www.refugeeresource.org.uk/

- £15 can cover the costs of a refugee or asylum seeker attending the Women's Group for one month

- £30 can cover the costs of a mentor working with a refugee or asylum seeker for one month.

- £50 can pay for two hours of counselling to help someone living with the effects of trauma and bereavement.

*See more Dip a Day posts on the Outdoor Swimming Society: https://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/dip-day-continues-oss-community/