At ASEND, volunteering isn’t just something our team members do in their spare time. It is a reflection of who we are and what we value. One of the best examples of this commitment is Cian from our recruitment team, whose dedication to inclusive sport has been transforming lives in the water for years.
How It All Began
Cian’s passion for supporting people with disabilities in sport started back in Ireland, where he completed a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Health and Leisure at what is now Munster Technical University (MTU) in Kerry. As part of his studies, he took modules in Disability Studies and Adapted Physical Activity, including Aquatic Therapy, which teaches how water can be used to help people be active when land-based exercise is not possible.
He also trained in the Halliwick Method, which focuses on swimming skills to bring people to a place where they can confidently and safely begin to learn how to swim and water safety to people of all abilities.
One moment in particular stayed with him. During his practical lessons at university, a parent shared that her autistic child, after attending swimming sessions, was finally able to tolerate being bathed at home. This had previously been a huge source of distress.
“That was the turning point for me,” Cian recalls. “It showed me that the benefits of swimming go far beyond the pool. They can ripple out into daily life in ways you wouldn’t expect.”
Moving to London and Finding His Place
When Cian moved to London in 2017, one of the first things he did was look for a way to continue volunteering in inclusive swimming. That search led him to Pimlico Puffins, Westminster’s only disability swimming club, where he has been a volunteer ever since.
“I wanted to put what I’d learned into practice, not just in theory. Volunteering over such a long time lets you see real progress (sometimes progress is small and gradual), and it’s incredible to be part of a space where people can feel safe, included, and supported.”
Over the years, Cian has helped swimmers of all ages and abilities gain confidence in the water. But he is quick to point out that volunteering has shaped him too. He joined the Pimlico Puffins committee in 2018 and is now their chairperson. Occasionally, he delivers hands-on training to the volunteers of another disability swimming organisation with a few clubs across London.
“It’s given me leadership experience, teamwork skills, and a deeper understanding of people’s strengths. Those lessons have helped me professionally and personally.”
Why Swimming Matters
For Cian, inclusive swimming is about more than physical movement. It is about freedom, confidence, and belonging.
He has seen how swimming can:
• Support strength, flexibility, balance and rehabilitation in ways land-based activities cannot
• Reduce stress and support emotional regulation
• Offer a social outlet where friendships can form naturally
• Remove barriers so everyone can enjoy the water
“When you see someone go from being anxious in the water to smiling and splashing with their friends or happily going to the swimming pool on holidays, you realise this isn’t just exercise, it’s a lifeline.”
A Shared Value at ASEND
Cian’s work in inclusive sport mirrors our wider commitment at ASEND to remove barriers, create opportunities, and make sure everyone can participate fully in life. His story is a reminder that volunteering does not just change lives. It builds skills, strengthens communities, and shows the power of passion in action.
“If you’re thinking about volunteering, just start,” Cian says. “You don’t need to be an expert, you may just have a passion or interest in something that you can contribute to others. Whatever it is, you just need to be willing to show up, learn, and be part of someone’s journey.”
Want to get involved?
Cian volunteers with Pimlico Puffins, the only disability swimming club in Westminster, running for nearly 45 years. They welcome swimmers of all ages and abilities, making swimming accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Pimlico Puffins also welcomes people who are interested in volunteering. In 2021, they won the Inclusive Active Award from Westminster Council, a major factor that helped gaining this award was the hands-on in-pool training that is provided to every new volunteer. This gives them the basics of supporting people with disabilities in the water, followed by a few sessions of shadowing more experienced volunteers in the pool. The support is continued after starting.
Every Monday, they run sessions from 8pm–9pm at Queen Mother Sports Centre, Vauxhall Bridge Road, Victoria SW1V 1EL, followed by a friendly post-swim social with Ribena and biscuits for both swimmers and volunteers.
You can register your interest in volunteering with them here.