A FUNDRAISING effort has been launched to save a hydrotherapy pool at a Taunton community hub.
Compass Wellbeing, on the Belvedere Trading Estate, is run by the Compass Disability Services charity and operates the pool, used by around 100 people each week.
However, the fully-accessible pool is at risk of closure if urgent repairs are not carried out – with the charity now appealing for support to fund the project.
MP Gideon Amos (Lib Dem, Taunton & Wellington) recently toured the facilities – including the pool – with centre manager Michelle Edwards, who spoke of the urgency of the appeal.
“As the only publicly bookable hydrotherapy pool in the area, we are relied upon by a lot of people and fully booked until January,” she said.
“Our users often do not feel comfortable at other pools, whether that be because of the noise, accessibility, expected behaviours, or temperature difference in and out of the pool.
“Hydrotherapy is so important for pain management, rehabilitation, and emotional regulation, it also provides that feeling of being free.”
The facility is the only publicly-bookable hydrotherapy pool in the area
She said fundraising efforts have been going well, thanks to support from the local community, but still had a way to go.
“We’ve raised £12,000 out of the £35,000 target, so we are a third of the way there,” she added.
“The response from the community and local businesses has been amazing and it has given us the confidence that we will be able to hit the target.
“We just want to keep pushing to ensure that the hydrotherapy pool stays open, and continues to provide an essential service for our community.”
Mr Amos backed the campaign and said “everything possible needs to be done to stop the pool closing”.
“Michelle and the rest of the team are doing an amazing job, and there is far more to Compass than just the hydro pool,” he added.
“I will be doing everything I can to support Compass through working with local businesses and looking for grant opportunities.”
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