Save Our Hydropool Appeal Launched to Preserve Taunton’s Essential Therapy Pool

The vital hydrotherapy pool at Compass Wellbeing in Taunton, a lifeline for dozens of disabled children and adults each week, faces closure without urgent repairs costing £35,000.

Since opening in 2017, this much-valued facility has provided critical therapeutic support. However, years of heavy use have led to severe wear and tear, threatening its ongoing operation. Run by the local charity Compass Disability Services, the centre has launched the “Save Our Hydropool” community fundraising appeal to secure the pool’s future.

Despite its current condition, the pool remains a lifeline for an average of 94 weekly visitors from across Somerset, including disabled and neurodiverse individuals, people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, and older adults. Many depend on the warm water for physiotherapy to enhance muscle strength, mobility, and ease pain. Others experience the rare opportunity for sensory relaxation and freedom of movement, often impossible outside the water.

For many neurodiverse users, traditional public swimming pools are inaccessible due to overcrowding, loud noise levels, and unpredictable environments. Compass Wellbeing provides a safe, supportive space where users can build water confidence and independence—skills that can be lifesaving, such as learning to float.

To remain open, the site urgently requires a new roof, extensive internal refurbishment, and replacement of critical equipment—all challenged by accelerated damage caused by the high humidity environment.

The campaign received an initial boost with a generous £5,000 donation from St Austell Brewery, jumpstarting efforts to meet the £35,000 goal. Now, Compass Disability Services is calling on local residents, businesses, and organisations to contribute funds and demonstrate strong community backing, vital for attracting further grants and funding.

Michelle Edwards, Centre Manager at Compass Wellbeing, said, “With the festive season approaching, many local companies are looking for meaningful ways to give back. Supporting the ‘Save Our Hydropool’ appeal is a powerful way to make a real impact on the lives of local people and our community.”