2026
Brave Beginnings: Women’s Water Confidence Workshop
A gentle, women-only introduction to water confidence.
Welcome to Brave Beginnings: Water Confidence Workshop
Brave Beginnings is a full-day, trauma-informed workshop designed to support women who experience fear, anxiety, or discomfort around water.
This workshop creates a safe and supportive space for women to explore mindfulness, creative expression, and gentle water-based activities at their own pace.
It is not about learning to swim on the day.
It is about rebuilding trust, confidence, and choice in and around water.
Brave Beginnings is proudly supported by the NSW Government through Women NSW as part of NSW Women’s Week 2026.
about the workshop
Who is this for?
Brave Beginnings is for women who:
- Feel anxious or fearful around pools or water
- Have previously withdrawn from swimming lessons due to fear or trauma
- Have never had the opportunity to learn to swim
- Want a gentle, culturally safe introduction before enrolling in swimming lessons
- Are seeking connection, wellbeing, and confidence in a supportive group setting
You do not need to be able to swim.
Why this workshop is important
Many CALD women face layered barriers to learning to swim, including water-based trauma, cultural expectations, lack of access, and fear of judgement. These barriers can affect physical health, mental wellbeing, and safety around water.
Brave Beginnings addresses these challenges by:
- Supporting emotional regulation and mental wellbeing through mindfulness
- Creating positive, non-threatening experiences in aquatic environments
- Reducing long-term drowning risk by encouraging safe engagement with water
- Building social connection, belonging, and confidence
- Providing pathways into ongoing learn-to-swim programs when participants are ready
This workshop is part of our commitment to prevention, inclusion, and long-term community safety.
What the day includes
- Mindfulness and grounding practices
- Creative expression through movement and written reflection
- Pool familiarisation and gentle, optional water-based activities
- Trauma-informed facilitation and mental health support
- A closing ceremony recognising courage and participation
All activities are optional and delivered at a pace that respects individual comfort levels.
Capacity and Registration
This is a free workshop, with limited capacity for 50 women.
Due to high demand, participation is by Expression of Interest (EOI) only.
- Submitting an EOI does not guarantee a place
- Successful applicants will be contacted directly
- Priority will be given to women who would benefit most from this experience
Workshop Details
Date - Saturday 7 March 2026
Time - 9am - 5pm
Location - Newcastle, NSW
All meals will be provided.
Childminding is available for children up to and including Year 6.
This workshop is strictly for adults aged 18 and over.
Supported by the NSW Government through Women NSW.
