Reflecting on a year of growth

As we pause to look back over the past 12 months, I’m filled with pride as it’s been a year where key ambitions moved closer to reality and we not only grew as a business, but I grew as a business owner.

Renewed water therapy focus

Our aquatic therapy programmes have always been a part of our focus here at Swimming Buddies, but we have invested time and training into redeveloping these, with clinically led input, and helped provide more families with a much needed unique environment for their children to build strength, regulation and confidence. This is an area we aim to continue to grow and nurture, just like our Buddies, in 2026.

Partnering with physiotherapy

We’ve integrated a clinical Paediatric Physiotherapist into our team. With clinical insight on movement, alignment and development, our classes are more informed and tailored to each Buddie’s needs. Already, we’re seeing the benefits of that synergy and can’t wait to see how that grows over the year.

Welcoming Baby Buddies

We had a baby…well kind of. We launched Baby Buddies before Christmas and the response has been humbling. We didn’t just want another baby class, we wanted to create a community where parents of children of all abilities feel safe and supported. It’s a tough time with under 4s as parents doubt themselves, never mind trying to navigate baby classes and “etiquette” so we are so delighted to have born a new era of shared learning and support for babies and their caregivers right here in Belfast.

This year has shown me how much is possible when community and expertise come together. Thank you to our coaches, our physiotherapist, our families, and every person who believed in us.

Here’s to more water, more connection, more transformation in the year ahead.