The festive season is a time when we can tap into the community elements of wild swimming, as we join those in our local area for a Christmas, Boxing Day or New Year dip. Each year, a number of casually arranged swims take place across the beaches of the county. Each is open to participation by all, regardless of swimming ability. If you’d like to take part, take a look at the list below to find a festive swim near you.

It’s no secret that cold water swimming has a huge number of health benefits. Many people in the UK have been using it as a means to regulate physical and emotional health for some time, which begs the question – why isn’t it offered on the NHS as an alternative to prescription medication and therapy?

Mental Health Swims was founded by Rachel Ashe in 2019, after she discovered that cold water and community had a huge positive impact on her mental health. Now, Rachel wants everyone to be able to access these benefits. With the support of volunteers, Mental Health Swims holds monthly swimming meet ups around the country so that others can feel supported and welcomed in their own cold water swimming journey.

Inspired by his late fiancé and conservationist Niamh, Drew Taylor has taken a bold move to petition the UK Government to play their part in reducing the destruction caused by ghost fishing gear. After seeing positive change in his local area, Drew sees a national roll out of line recycling stations as a key step in working towards protecting our oceans.

When ex-marine Sam Murray hit rock bottom he embarked upon a difficult journey of self-awakening and personal development. After discovering a combination of cold water and breathwork to be a life changing combination, he was then inspired to help others. Since then, he has co-founded the Breath Connection, to support other frontline personnel and veterans overcome their trauma.

The Vitamin Sea Collective is a new community united by the positive benefits of the ocean. Started up by the same team behind SurfGirl, we decided to learn more about the work these women are doing and what inspired them to launch last October.

The physical and psychological benefits of wild swimming have been widely documented, backed by science and more recently shouted from the cliff-tops across social media. However, we haven’t spent much time discussing the social benefits of what is now very much a community based hobby.

Ben Ford is a Cornish Psychotherapist and Eco-therapy retreat leader, who now resides in North Wales. His training and experience has given him a broad understanding of the human mind. We’re fascinated to hear his thoughts on a subject we’re all familiar with – resistance.

Next week is Mental Health Awareness Week and we've been working with NHS Cornwall to promote the mental health benefits of wild swimming. We've decided to launch our #selfcareswims campaign during October to try and raise money for Mind UK. We'd like to ask you to help us by completing the challenge and having a bit of fun, all whilst investing in your own self-care!

Clare lewis is an environmentalist and an open water swimmer. Originally from the Isles of Scilly, she now live in Falmouth, where she runs Sure Swim Kernow, an open water swimming group that aims to help individuals build confidence and skills in the water, and encourages them to fulfil their personal adventures.