Wednesday 29 June 2022
A swimming pool at Chateau Reve has reopened thanks to the efforts of Health & Social Care staff and the generosity of local organisations.
The pool at Chateau Reve, which is home to five adults with profound difficulties, had been unused for a number of years until Teena Gordon, administration officer for the Adult Disability Service, decided to do something about it.
Ms Gordon said:
'When I first saw it, I asked why it wasn't in use and was told that it needed upgrading to be safe for the service users. It wouldn't leave my head and I decided to find a way for it to reopen. It has taken longer than I hoped because of Covid but we are now days away from it being ready to use. It has been a real labour of love.'
As well as cleaning and upgrading, the pool and surrounding area required a hoist, a thermal cover for the summer, a shed for equipment and chemicals to be stored in and the boiler to be serviced.
Ms Gordon contacted the Guernsey Community Foundation and Ravenscroft which agreed to cover the majority of the costs. Adult Disability staff held a bake off and cake sale to raise additional funds and other support has come from Pool Care & Services, Only Fools and Donkeys, Stan Brouard, BTS, Kings, St Pierre Park, Beau Sejour and The Institute. Maintenance of the pool will now be covered by Health & Social Care.
Ms Gordon added:
'The support has been amazing and it wouldn't have been possible without so many people. The Guernsey Community Foundation and Ravenscroft were incredibly generous and then we have had support from many other people. The service users are really excited to be finally getting into the water.'
Last week Ms Gordon and her colleague Neil McMeiken pressure washed the patio surround and emptied the stagnant water from the pool and cleaned it before it was refilled and the chemicals added. At the weekend, Chateau Reve staff were trained as lifeguards with Adult Disability staff giving up their Sunday to work at the home and look after the service users.
Jim Roberts, chief executive of Guernsey Community Foundation, said the pool would bring many benefits:
'This is a fantastic example of the public and private sectors coming together for the benefit of others. The Guernsey Community Foundation is delighted to have been involved.'
Mark Bousfield, managing director of Ravenscroft, added that the energy and enthusiasm of those involved with Chateau Reve was incredible:
'So many of them have given up their own time to make this happen. Guernsey is very fortunate to have people, business and organisations who are willing to make a difference. We hope the service users at Chateau Reve have a fantastic summer using the pool.'
