COMMUNITY projects helping children to enjoy the benefits of swimming and being in water are encouraged to apply for funding to support their goals.

The Children's Alliance, which was set up in 2019 by Water Babies swim school's late CEO Steve Franks, has just secured charitable status.

So far the charity has secured £60,000 in grants to fund community projects all over the UK helping almost 500 children, through the provision of SEN swimming lessons, surfing sessions, specialised swimwear and repairs to sensory pool facilities.

Now it is welcoming applications from projects, involving water and swimming, across Cheshire who would benefit from funding.

Paul Thompson, founder of Water Babies and chairman of trustees at Children’s Alliance, said: "We’re thrilled to have gained charity status for Children’s Alliance and have already started working with communities to support children and young people accessing water and experiencing the benefits water can bring.

"Children are at the heart of Water Babies, and Children’s Alliance formalises our charitable work and provides an action plan of how to give back to families and communities, helping to provide better starts and brighter futures for children."

From small wild swimming groups to long running sports clubs anybody can apply for funding.

A Children's Alliance spokesman added: "This money could directly support a local community group, a school, a club, a special needs organisation or anything that in some way betters the lives of children and lets them experience the mental and health benefits of being in the water.

"One in six children in the UK struggle with social, emotional or mental health but, by supporting local initiatives, Children’s Alliance aims to make a real difference in a child’s first five years, which will have a long-term impact on their life."