'Swim sessions are bringing our confidence back'

Carol Burrell says the programme is making a difference to people's lives

Dozens of people in Nottingham have taken part in a programme designed to help black women overcome barriers stopping them from taking part in water-based activities.

Swim Sista Swim is a 10-week scheme run by the Canal and River Trust with funding from Sport England.

Since April, nearly 50 women have taken part in the programme, which aims to build up their confidence in the water and develop their swimming skills.

Carol Burrell, the trust's community engagement officer, came up with the idea after noticing low numbers of black women taking part in free activities offered on its waterways.

Fola Oluwaremi said she felt more at ease in the women-only sessions

She told the BBC when she explored why there was little participation from African and Caribbean women, she found it was because "they couldn't swim and lacked confidence around water".

The programme works to debunk myths which can discourage black women from swimming including claims their bones are heavier, which makes it more difficult to float, which Ms Burrell brands "rubbish".

Participants are taught about water safety along with how to take care of Afro hair if chlorine makes contact with it.

A psychotherapist also explores the mental challenges some women may be facing when it comes to the water.

'I'm gaining confidence'

Among those taking part are 59-year-old Jaunita Mayers, a carer for her mum, who felt it would be a good opportunity to relearn to swim so she can use it as an alternative to gym workouts.

"I used to be able to swim and then I went on holiday and I nearly drowned in the sea - I'd forgotten how to swim," she said.

"The ladies here are pretty supportive. They push you gently, help you to gain confidence, the teachers are great and they've got patience with you."

Jaunita Mayers forgot how to swim and is now relearning

Fola Oluwaremi told the BBC the women-only swim sessions at the Portland Centre in The Meadows had made her feel more comfortable as she builds up her swimming skills.

She said: "It's all ladies and we are just the only ones in the pool compared to when I go to the public swimming, I feel like 'oh people are looking'."

Another participant told the BBC she hoped learning to swim would improve her health and said it has helped with confidence issues.