ClubGRANTS help support local women.
Through the ClubGRANTS program, Cronulla RSL have been able to help Wondering Women enhance the mental health & wellness of local women., plus provide an opportunity to teach an essential life skills.
Wondering Women, a community group, which was set up to promote wellness and wellbeing and now has 2,600 members in Sutherland Shire. Founded in Sutherland Shire by Lisa Tilsed and Adriarn Crane in 2016, the group connects women through regular activities and events.
The ClubGRANTS funding has allowed the organisation to run a 3 part program, including a 6 week learn to swim course, mental health art classes (Zentangle) and volunteering sessions at local nursing homes.
Learn to Swim
One of the many activities coordinated by Wondering Women, is their ‘Mermaids’ Ocean swimming group. This group has been swimming in the waters of Bate Bay, for the past 4 years. They discovered that there were many women who would love to join the Mermaids group, however, were unable to as they had never learnt to swim.
At around the same time, Wondering Women founders Lisa Tilsed and Adriarn Crane, heard from MP for Cronulla NSW Liberal Leader, the Hon. Mark Speakman, about a newly settled family who wanted swimming lessons and they set about finding a way to set up their own swim school. With the help of the ClubsGRANT through Cronulla RSL and the expertise of the Swim Lab, they've now been able to fund swimming lessons for more than 30 women, with more than 40 others keen to join. The initiative was recognised in the NSW Parliament Hansard.
Below are the feedback of some of the participants.
Sue:
Today I started a challenge I've attempted before and failed miserably multiple times. In absolute fear and knowing what will face me in 30 minutes, I got in my car at 5.30am and headed out to take part of the Wondering Women - Swim School program.
I'm calling this the beginners of beginners class.
I am happy to say with the amazing gentle guidance of Kerrie, my swim coach, I took my first breath under water today at 6.20am.
First time in my adult life I recall this ever happening.
It was a momentous milestone.
Fear, adrenalin, sweating even while in water, heart pulsing, light headed, anxious thoughts so strong I could hear my internal moans of fear. I felt they were so loud and fierce that I asked Kerrie if she could hear me.
She reassured me it was all in my mind and I need to just BREATH.
And with that, with every breath, I acknowledged it was all in my head.
Breathing is the finest gift of nature we all take for granted. As simple as that may seem to others, this morning I walked away from the pool feeling I could breathe, although it's only a few breathes, but few breathes more than ever experienced before.
Kerrie's hands on the other hand, may still be feeling the effects of my hand grip and energies as I held her hands to comfort me while I slowly but surely took that first breathe under water.
It's a long road (pool, swim, paddle, float...) ahead and I feel an immense sense of appreciation and gratitude to Lisa Tilsed and Adriarn Crane for always thinking of programs and events to host via Wondering Women that they personally won't benefit from.
I could've joined another swim school myself (as I've done before) but I knew I will never got past the kick board stage, let alone putting my nose in the water.
Lisa and Adrian, thank you. You both have this effect on people, even when you are not present, the essence of your giving nature is forever received.
I may not be the next Susie O'Neill, I may just have to settle for the mermaid in the making from Bankstown.
The expresses all my vulnerabilities and yes they are baby floaties in the background and drawings on the pool school wall.
I even was holding my breath while taking the photo knowing what I was about to face. My eyes bulging, my fists clutched so tight, they were already sweaty & I could feel my fingers pulsate against eachother, my nervous smile... I had to do this and conquer my phobia and fears.
A gentle reminder to all of us, with the right support, mindset and attitude, you can conquer your fears...one breath at a time
Ann:
I want to express my thanks to Adriarn Crane and Lisa Tilsed for giving me the opportunity to participate in the beginners swimming programme. I had done swimming lessons previously but I’m afraid failed miserably. As Sue articulated so wonderfully in a previous post ,the fear is real!.I hardly slept a wink before the first lesson and seriously considered not turning up,however Lisa and Adriarn worked very hard to get these programmes up and running,I thought I had better at least give it a go.
There are three of us in the class ,Christina and myself are Irish and Pauline is Scottish so go figure .Our coach Kerrie is patient ,understanding and encourages us every step of the way!.It is certainly challenging and 3 weeks on we can now breathe under water and our strokes are progressing.My aim is to swim in a pool ,not sure about the ocean as I hate the cold .
I’m so glad I crossed paths with you Adriarn so many years ago through our girls friendship and you invited me to join this beautiful supportive group of ladies.You and Lisa are so genuinely caring and kind and arrange so many diverse activities for this group as well as living your own busy lives.You both deserve so many accolades .Thanks so much to you both and of course super coach Kerrie
Marrianne
How I feel about the WW Swimming program. I always wanted to learn to swim properly. For me, I thought about it many times but I didn't have the courage to put myself in an uncomfortable/embarrassing situation, floundering in a pool in front of others. I had the opportunity to 'flounder' with the Wondering Women Swim Program and it is fabulous. Coach Kerrie is AMAZING and along with our group of lovely ladies Linda, Lisa and Lee we have learnt so much in 4 weeks. I can breathe more easily, I feel more confident in the water and most of all enjoying the program immensely. Adriarn, when we worked together many years ago your vision for Wondering Women just started. I take my hat off to you & Lisa for years of hard work and what you have both achieved in making Wondering Women what it is today. You change lives, bring ladies together to do things they never thought they would do, like me. Thank you I'm so very fortunate I dived into this.
Zentangle
Zentangle is a creative journey of discovery, meditation and fun! The 6 week course was presented by Jennifer Jones, a certified Zentangle Teacher.
Jennifer delivered structured drawing classes, using subtle technique to encourage participation, art and mental well being. It was an easy to learn, relaxing and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns.
Particiapants were encouraged to ‘Relax, Breath, Focus’; take a moment to relax and take a few deep breaths, focus the attention of the material and tap into the creative space.
About Wondering Women: Wondering Women are a community with 2,600 members. They promote health and wellness, and encourage women to join them, to learn & experience different activities that will enhance their wellbeing. They have a ‘wellness hub’, which delivers activities such as Yoga, Pilates, Meditation, book club, fitness and cooking classes & Zentangle. They offer these services to all of their members, and aim help our community by way of keeping local women engaged in new project, which in turn is keeping them healthy and mentally strong.
About ClubGRANTS: ClubGRANTS is one of Australia’s largest grant programs, providing more than $100 million in cash each year to a variety of worthy causes across NSW. Charities, sporting organisations and not-for-profit community groups are among tens-of-thousands of worthy causes funded through the program each year. https://www.clubgrants.com.au/
About Cronulla RSL Community: Cronulla RSL support the local area through sport, social groups and charitable organisations. Beyond their primary role as a veterans' club, they have extended their reach to various community initiatives, charitable causes, and events that uplift and enrich the lives of individuals and families in the Sutherland Shire. https://www.cronullarslcommunity.com.au/