Seriously Social About Inclusion: Amy’s Story

Learning to swim is one of the most important life skills a person can develop. It helps keep people safe in and around water, builds confidence, supports physical and mental wellbeing, and creates opportunities to enjoy being active throughout life. Everyone should have the opportunity to learn these skills, regardless of age, ability or background. 

Inclusion is at the heart of Fife Sport’s and Leisure Trust’s award-winning Learn to Swim programme. Delivered in partnership with Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water, the programme follows the National Framework for Swimming in Scotland and is designed to support people of all ages and abilities to develop their skills, progress through the different levels and gain confidence in the water. 

As we celebrate 10 years of delivering the National Learn to Swim Framework, Amy’s story highlights the difference accessible opportunities can make. 

Finding Confidence in the Water

7-year-old Amy is profoundly deaf and attends swimming lessons through Fife Sports and Leisure Trust’s Learn to Swim programme. 

Like many children, Amy initially joined lessons to learn an important life skill. Over time, however, swimming has become much more than that. It has become a place where she feels included, supported and able to be herself. 

A key part of that journey has been her instructor, Wayne. 

Over the past year, Wayne has gone above and beyond to ensure Amy feels fully included in every lesson. Recognising that Amy communicates differently, he has adapted his teaching style to support her learning, using visual cues, gestures and simple sign language to help explain activities and instructions. 

He has taken the time to understand how Amy learns best, building a strong relationship with her and continually adapting lessons to make them engaging, accessible and fun. 

Wayne said: 

“She’s an amazing young girl, full of life and with a brilliant sense of humour.” 

“As I’ve been teaching her, I’ve been learning alongside her and adapting to make our lessons fun. We can look at each other and pull silly faces, and she’ll even playfully tell me off with a little raised fist if she doesn’t like what I’m saying or doing.” 

“As time’s gone on, I’ve learned to use more visual signs to help her understand, and I even introduced a sign for the name ‘Simon’ when we play Simon Says at the end of the lesson as the children jump in.” 

“She’s been coming in with her hearing aids, so I’ve been able to have a wee chat with her about the lesson ahead and what I’d like her to try.” 

What started as a swimming lesson has become a place where Amy feels understood, valued and able to succeed alongside her peers. 

A Place Where Abilities Are Recognised

For Amy’s family, the impact has been clear to see. 

Her mum, Liz, said:

“Watching Amy grow in confidence through swimming has been incredible. Although she’s profoundly deaf, the pool is a place where she feels completely included and understood.” 

“Wayne has taken the time to get to know her, support her and celebrate her strengths. He has even made the effort to learn some sign language, which is both touching and reassuring.”

“As parents, seeing her shine in a space where her abilities are truly recognised means the world to us.”

Amy’s experience demonstrates what inclusion looks like in practice. It’s about taking the time to understand individual needs, removing barriers to participation and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive. 

Inspiring Others

The impact of Amy’s story has extended beyond the swimming pool. 

After seeing Amy featured in a previous Fife Sports and Leisure Trust campaign, Deaflympian swimmer Lucy Walkup was inspired to get in touch. 

Wanting to encourage Amy and celebrate her achievements, Lucy travelled from Stirling to meet her, spending time together in the pool, sharing her experiences and presenting Amy with a swimming cap to keep. Amy also had the opportunity to see and hold one of Lucy’s medals, giving her a glimpse of what can be achieved through dedication and perseverance in the sport. 

The visit gave Amy the opportunity to meet a role model who shares her experience of deafness and has gone on to achieve success at the highest level of sport. 

It was a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and the impact seeing someone like yourself succeed can have on confidence, aspirations and self-belief. 

More Than Swimming Lessons

Amy’s story is also a reflection of the dedication shown by instructors across Fife Sports and Leisure Trust’s Learn to Swim programme. 

Since launching in 2016, the programme has supported more than 80,000 swimmers on their journey and trained around 220 instructors to deliver high-quality lessons across Fife. Today, more than 8,800 learners take part in lessons every week, including children, adults and people with additional support needs. 

The benefits extend far beyond the pool. Swimming can improve confidence, support physical and mental wellbeing, create social connections and open doors to new opportunities. 

For many participants, including Amy, it can also provide a sense of belonging. 

As part of Seriously Social 2026, Amy’s story highlights the positive impact inclusive community leisure can have on individuals and families. 

It shows how small adjustments, understanding and a commitment to inclusion can help remove barriers, build confidence and create opportunities for people to participate, belong and thrive. 

Because when everyone feels welcome, everyone has the chance to succeed. 

Find Out More

Amy’s story is just one example of the positive impact community leisure can have on people’s lives.

Watch Amy’s video to hear more about her journey and the difference inclusive swimming lessons have made  👉👉

Visit our Seriously Social webpage to explore more stories from across Fife.

Follow Fife Sports and Leisure Trust on social media throughout the week as we celebrate the people, programmes and partnerships helping create healthier, happier and more connected communities.