How will the hydrotherapy pool impact families at Martin House?
For most families, a trip to the swimming pool is a simple pleasure. But for families caring for a child with a life-shortening or complex condition, it’s often impossible. That’s why, as part of phase two of THE BUILD, we are creating something truly special, a hydrotherapy and sensory pool, giving a rare sense of freedom - to stretch, float, play, and feel weightless.
This hydrotherapy pool isn’t just part of a building project it’s a symbol of what we can achieve when a community comes together. It’s being built with love, compassion, and the belief that every child deserves the chance to feel free, supported, and happy.
"Hydrotherapy is amazing for managing symptoms like pain, and easing muscle spasm. It provides freedom for children who may have physical challenges. Regular pools are too cold, too loud, too bright, and they don’t have the specialist equipment that enable children with complex needs to safely access the water."
Rachel, Physiotherapist at Martin House.
Hear from families about the difference your donation will make
£50 could help fund an integrated hoist to ensure a child with severe mobility needs can be safely transferred in and out of the new hydrotherapy pool.
£30 could help a child with a life-shortening condition experience a swimming session with their family for the first time in Martin House’s new hydrotherapy pool.
£10 could help buy specialist floatation equipment to help a child with complex needs enjoy a hydrotherapy session in the pool.
When Ava is at home, she really struggles to move herself, but in the water she becomes weightless. She can move her limbs around and learn to splash around, and it’s so good for her joints and her tone.
What are the benefits of a hydrotherapy pool?
Our pool will be fully accessible to children with complex health conditions and limited mobility, with an integrated hoist direct from a family changing room to the pool to safely transfer children and young people to and from the water.
The pool temperature will be set to a therapeutic level close to body temperature which helps relax muscles during sessions, and a warmer ambient air temperature, which maximises the benefit the child receives.
There will be specialist sensory equipment which can be tailored to each child’s needs, whether they need quiet, peaceful surroundings with soft lighting or music, or a higher energy session with more stimulation.
Children with complex conditions often have to watch their siblings play instead of having the opportunity to take part with them - the pool will give them more equal access to a vital part of childhood in a safe setting.
Amelia absolutely loves the water, but it’s not just about enjoyment, it really benefits her physical condition. It relaxes her muscles, and she can be free in the water, which is so important when she is so restricted otherwise.
£50 could help fund an integrated hoist to ensure a child with severe mobility needs can be safely transferred in and out of the new hydrotherapy pool.
£30 could help a child with a life-shortening condition experience a swimming session with their family for the first time in Martin House’s new hydrotherapy pool.
£10 could help buy specialist floatation equipment to help a child with complex needs enjoy a hydrotherapy session in the pool.
The thing I hear most frequently from families is that they want to be able to take their children swimming, and they to be able to do it in a warm pool where they can be all together. It means so much to families to be able to do normal things all together.
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