As a double amputee swimming can be terrifying. What if I don’t float? It’s been ten years since I got in a pool and I had my legs back then. So, this is a big deal!

Today is the first day that I have used the Cérge app to book a visit to Splash Devonport Aquatic and Leisure Centre. Normally with myself being a double aka (above knee amputee) in an electric wheelchair I can often find I am a bit apprehensive going to new places. I’m never quite sure if the new places I’m going to will be suitable for my needs and if arrive and then must just go home. It’s a bit annoying and anxiety inducing.

A lot of businesses I have been to previously don’t have sufficient room to manoeuvre around in a big wheelchair like mine, I would steer clear of venues like this. I have found some not suitable to my needs which can be quite off putting and disappointing. I was very excited to see Cérge has its very own Access and Inclusion guide with a a visual story. So, I looked at that before going. I was able to see photos of the doorways, the pathways, entrances, everything! There as so much information it was excellent.

Being the first time using Cérge I wasn’t sure how it would all go, but I found the app quite easy to use and I shouldn’t have worried. I guess I’ve just had so many disappointing experiences in the past.

I arrived at Splash and welcomed by Hamish who made me feel very at ease and was able to give me a full tour of the facilities. Let me tell you Splash is a great place with many pools and a hydrotherapy pool which is accessible by there own wheelchairs, with the use of a hoist. A sling in the spacious changing room that has plenty of wheelchair access. After seeing all the equipment I’m confident enough to now now that it will be no problem for me and my carer to visit in the future and I can now add swimming into my life. They also have a full leisure centre with many different exercise classes and a huge fully equipped gym.

I have found in the past that I can feel a little unsettled as I don’t feel welcome and not always seen if that makes sense, as well as some places aren’t set up for wheelchairs and people with disability like myself. However, that was something I did not have to worry about today, I felt welcomed and included thanks to Hamish who answered all my questions and showed me around the whole facilities at Splash.

I hope more business will start using and offering Cérge in the community. Being on the app, it shows me you are trying and you care. There is nothing else like it that I have come across. I know that myself and so many others who have any disability or restrictions will find the Cérge a benefit. This helps me have a fuller life and more things to do and that is very exciting!