The sessions that changed what weekends look like #SeriouslySocial
What does inclusion actually look like?
Sometimes, it looks like a child who once refused to take part now joining in confidently every week.
At Gracemount Leisure Centre, children and young people with Additional Support Needs (ASN) take part in structured swimming and multisport sessions designed around their individual needs. Sessions are delivered in a calm, consistent environment, with staff trained to build trust, adapt activities and support children over time.
For Danny and Andor, that consistency has made a clear difference.
Both attend ASN sessions at Gracemount, where familiar routines and patient, ongoing support have helped them feel comfortable, take part and grow in confidence.
For Andor, the change has been especially significant.
“When we started, he hated the swimming pool,” says his mum Rita. “Staff were kind and calm. Step by step he went in — see how he jumps now.”
This kind of progress doesn’t happen all at once. It comes through repetition, trust, and support delivered week after week.
For families, the impact goes beyond the sessions themselves.
“We really trust the staff here,” Rita says. “It means we know they are safe and supported, and it gives us time to ourselves as well.”
That reassurance gives parents space to pause and recharge, knowing their children are in a safe, supportive environment. For mums Jill and Rita, it means time to rest, exercise, and reconnect.
“It’s great having a break at the weekend,” Danny’s mum Jill explains. “I enjoy walking the dogs, going to the gym, going for a run — me and Rita will grab a coffee, catch up, run together. It’s good for us as we get a little bit of respite.”
That time matters. It helps families manage the demands of daily life, spend time together, and take a break from caring responsibilities.
Supported by Shared Care Scotland’s Better Breaks Short Breaks Fund through the Scottish Government and the Children’s Alliance respectively, the ASN Multisport and ASN Swim programme creates regular, local opportunities for children to stay active, while giving families access to trusted, structured support.
By creating more inclusive environments, Edinburgh Leisure is helping more children build confidence, develop skills and feel part of their community.