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Coldingham Brave Bayers launches three free wellbeing programmes for winter 2026

12/10/2026
Event | Training
Close-up of swimmer's legs emerging through water splash in a pool, highlighting motion and activity.

Coldingham Brave Bayers CIC is inviting people across the Scottish Borders to take part in three free wellbeing programmes this autumn and winter, offering opportunities to improve physical, mental and social wellbeing through activity, creativity, learning and community connection.

The programmes have been designed to support people of all abilities, particularly those experiencing social isolation, barriers to participation or looking for new ways to stay active and connected during the darker months.

Funded through a range of community and government funding programmes, the initiatives provide welcoming spaces where participants can build confidence, develop new skills and meet others in supportive environments.

Move & Mingle

Starts: 13th October 2026
When: Tuesdays, 7pm-8pm
Duration: 20 weeks
Where: Eyemouth Leisure Centre, TD14 5ET

Move & Mingle is a free wellbeing club that brings people together through swimming, sauna sessions, refreshments and conversation throughout the winter months.

Participants can enjoy independent swimming at their own pace, with fast, medium and slow lanes available. Lifeguards are present at every session and optional distance tracking allows participants to monitor their own progress and achievements.

Every fourth Tuesday, swimming is replaced by a 45-minute aqua aerobics session, providing additional opportunities to stay active and improve fitness.

Following each session, participants can make use of the sauna before enjoying soup, refreshments and informal social time with others.

The programme is open to adults aged 18 and over of all genders. A particular welcome is extended to people aged over 45, those experiencing social isolation, people facing physical or social barriers, individuals on low incomes and residents of rural communities.

Support may be available for swimming equipment where cost would otherwise prevent participation.

Wild Swimming & Art for Wellbeing

Starts: 21st October 2026
When: Wednesdays, 6.30pm-8.30pm
Duration: Six weeks
Where: Eyemouth Community Centre, TD14 5DE

This unique six-week wellbeing programme combines Sea Sense, breathwork, creativity and community connection in a supportive small-group setting.

The programme has been developed for people who are curious about wild swimming, want to better understand the coastline, feel nervous around open water or are searching for new ways to support their wellbeing.

Importantly, no swimming is involved and there is no expectation or pressure for participants to enter the water.

Working alongside residential artist Kevin Peden and qualified open-water coaches, participants will explore:

  • Sea Sense and coastal awareness
  • Understanding tides and changing sea conditions
  • Basic open-water safety knowledge
  • Gentle breathwork techniques to support relaxation and focus
  • Creative activities inspired by water, nature and the local coastline
  • Building confidence and connection with the coast

No artistic experience is required and all activities are designed to be welcoming and accessible.

Places are limited to six participants, creating a supportive environment where people can learn, explore and connect at their own pace.

Men Only – Cold Dipping for Wellbeing

Starts: 12th November 2026
When: Thursdays, 6.30pm-8.30pm
Duration: Four weeks
Where: Scoutscroft Holiday Park, Coldingham, TD14 5NB

This free four-week programme offers a supportive introduction to cold-water immersion for men aged 18 and over.

Delivered in partnership with Cold Water Specialist and Cold Water Therapy Practitioner Shelley Sim, the programme takes place in three cold-water tubs located in a sheltered outdoor setting beside the holiday pods at Scoutscroft Holiday Park.

Participants will learn about:

  • How the body responds to cold water
  • Cold-water breathing and managing cold-water shock
  • Safe immersion and recovery techniques
  • Building confidence at an individual pace
  • The potential role of cold-water dipping in supporting winter wellbeing

Each session includes preparation, guided immersion, recovery and time to connect with others in a supportive environment.

No previous experience is required and there is no sea swimming involved. Participants are encouraged to progress at a pace that feels right for them, with no competition and no expectation regarding time spent in the water.

Heated pods will be available before and after sessions to support comfort and recovery.

The programme is initially being offered exclusively to men aged 18 and over. If places remain unfilled, they will subsequently be opened to a mixed group.

Supporting wellbeing through community connection

Across all three programmes, Coldingham Brave Bayers CIC aims to create accessible and welcoming opportunities for local people to improve wellbeing, develop confidence and build stronger social connections.

Whether through swimming, creative activities, learning about the coast or exploring cold-water immersion, each programme provides a supportive environment where participants can take positive steps towards improved health and wellbeing while meeting others from across the local community.

Find out more and book

All programmes are free to attend and advance booking is required.

To find out more or reserve a place, visit www.wildandfreezing.co.uk or email [email protected].

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Borders Third Sector Interface Ltd, trading as Borders Community Action.
Registered address: 1 Drygrange Cottages, Drygrange Steading, Melrose, Scottish Borders, TD6 9DJ