Mind Dippers
This group is a spinoff group from the ‘mind and sole’ charity in Alnwick helping with mental health and lots more.
This morning there are 14 dippers (participants) with varying outfits. Some come in wetsuits and some come in swimming costumes. Everyone has a neon float (safety first but it might aswell be cute) And lots of people wear hats gloves and shoes to keep them warm.
I’m in absolute awe of these incredible people and I’m actually a little
I asked some of the ladies what it is that ‘mind dippers’ means to them.
Vicki
Sam “So what does dipping in the sea mean to you?”
Vicki “It makes me feel normal. I’ve got a lot of health issues chronic fatigue in particular and it’s the only way I can feel normal so it’s wonderful to be part of the group and encourage each other. The social aspects are wonderful and it does help with your energy level. I feel amazing for a good few hours afterwards so it’s wonderful.”
Sam “How long have you been coming?”
Vicki “1 year”
Sam “How did you find out about the group?”
Vicki “I heard about it from a friend first”
Sam “Had you been a sea swimmer beforehand?”
Vicki “No no never done it before and It was wonderful. People are apprehensive but then afterwards they realise what it
Sue
Sue “Since I moved up here, I think we’ve got such a beautiful coastline. It’s a shame not to make the most of it really that’s one of the reason why I can do it.”
Sam “So Sue what made you start dipping?”
Sue “I know this coastline because I’m from Newcastle but we moved here from Yorkshire four years ago and there was something I wanted to do and I saw I saw this on Facebook and just got involved just started coming then”Sam “How long have you been dipping?”
Sue “ I’ve been doing it for 4 years,
Alice
Sam “How long have you been doing mind dippers?”
Alice “I start with Chrissy about 5 years ago
Sam “So did you start for any particular reason?”
Alice “For health reasons, it’s really good for inflammation and I have arthritis.
Also stress, when you do a full head dip it’s just totally amazing. It’s so supported because everybody gets on and we just have a laugh”
Sam “So it’s a good community as well?”
Alice “Yes. Everybody brings stuff like cakes and we have a hot drink and the amazing views help”
Sibylle
Sam “So what made you start dipping in the sea?”
Sibylle “First did like a boxing day swim with friends ages ago and I really enjoyed it but since then I’ve developed fibromyalgia so when I’ve been in I’m fine for half a day”
Sam “How long have you been dipping with this group”
Sibylle “A while but I broke my ankle 6 weeks ago and went for the first time again last week with a crutch to keep me stable and the cold water helped with the swelling. Today I went in without the crutch”
It was so brilliant to hear what this group means to everyone and how important it is. I asked what the temperature of the water was and it was 11°, to which I commented “that sounds warm” Jane exclaimed “from the one who didn’t go in the water” 😂 I think I’m gonna have to buck up and get my big girl pants on (or wetsuit) and see what all the fuss is
I first met Jane earlier this year and after collaborating on some projects Jane asked me if I would be interested in collaborating with the Mind Dippers group that she volunteers to help run. I jumped at the chance to be involved and later met Diane who also runs the group and Chrissy who Founded
Jane
Sam “Jane, when did you join the group?”
Jane “I joined the Group about 18 months ago and love it! Diane and I took over running the Groups about 6 months ago, giving Chrissy time to focus on other priorities.”
Sam “What does charity donations and fundraising mean to the group?”
Jane “Mind & Sole only exists on donations and so we need every penny.”
Sam “Being a mind ‘Dip Leader’ what is the best part of seeing a new member fall in love with dipping?”
Jane “The Dips are a great way to improve everyone’s mental health plus the small donation (includes cake and a hot drink, plus safety support) is vital to the continuation of the
Diane
Sam “When did you join this group?”
Diane “I started dipping in 2021. I’ve always loved being in the sea but I wasn’t confident enough to go it alone so looked out for a group to dip with and that’s when I found Mind Dippers. There I learnt how to dip safely, how to recognise the potential risks before even entering the water by looking at the sea, the weather forecast, wind direction and height of the swell - all things I was completely ignorant about. As well as the importance of understanding how to dip safely there is the complete joy of dipping with a group of people who are simply there to feel the water on their bodies. There’s no competition just complete support and collaboration, lots of laughs and a feeling of complete peace.”
Sam “Being a ‘Dip leader’ what is the best part of seeing a new member fall in love with dipping?”
Diane “As a dip leader I love having the chance to introduce people to this amazing experience, literally holding their hands if they need it and encouraging them through the “flipping heck that’s cold” moments to the point of helping them to just let go in the water and breath into the whole experience and then watching them come back and eventually becoming a hand holder for other new dippers! For myself I have been through some really serious health issues in the last couple of years and when Drs asked if I had any questions my question was always “When can I get back into the sea?” Confident that my fellow dippers would once more hold my hand and help me back into the sea and support me in getting back to myself after the trauma. Dipping is known to be beneficial for both physical and mental health and in my case it has been a lifeline. There is no other feeling like the feeling of being in the water surrounded by like minded friends and thinking about nothing.”
Sam “What does charity money mean to the group?”
Diane “Mind and Sole is the parent of Mind Dippers. The work they do for people with a mental health illness or crisis is invaluable, the Mind and Sole hub provides a safe place for people who are seeking help, advice or even just feel the need for some company. As a small charity run and staffed by volunteers finding funding is an endless task. Money raised through the sale of Mind Dippers merchandise helps to keep the hub doors open and ensures that this very necessary safety net is
Christine aka Chrissy
Sam “As the founder of ‘Mind and Sole’ I’d love to know the inspiration behind the charity”
Christine “Before I started Mind and Sole, I was struggling with my own mental health. My 3rd Counsellor encouraged me to exercise. So I started running with Alnwick harriers, this then led me to swimming after running. I then joined the tri club and a few people asked if I wanted to try swimming in the sea. I did and fell in love with it. I was working as a swimming instructor at the time, so I was combining my love of swimming and learning how to be safe in the water.
I decided to create a group that offered support for people who wanted to be part of a fitness group, but knew that their Mental Health and their lack of fitness and confidence would stop them. So I built Mind and Sole and offered walking groups, C25K. Once I managed to get these groups established. We were hit by covid. I had to stop most of the groups but I continued to dip in the sea, and it grow from there. I thought if I am going to do this, then I'm going to do it properly. So I added the activity to my insurance and trained to be an open water swimming coach, so I was able to teach people to be safe and enjoy being in the water in a mindful way and I would say that we are now recognised by other organisations for being a well structured group.”
Sam “Being the founder how much do the ‘Dip leaders’ mean to ‘Mind Dippers’ and the success of the group?”
Christine “Without the support of the leaders, Mind Dippers wouldn't of grown as much as it has, this has allowed me time to build up our hub in Alnwick and offer a safe space for people who need support and continued support for various reason.”
Sam “What does charity money mean to the group?”
Christine “We find funding very hard to get so we have to rent out space and put groups on which means long hours at the hub.”
Written by Samantha Parkin with huge thanks to all of the Mind Dippers
1 comment
Would love to join /