Real life mermaids make a splash at Silverburn
Real life mermaids made a splash within leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn at the weekend, in aid of Paisley-based scuba charity, Just Dive.
Article Source: Silverburn
Last Updated: 30 May 2023 15:17
Guests were treated to a spectacular display as a band of merry mermaids flaunted their colourful fish tails within Silverburn, complete with face painting and a variety of ocean themed gifts for passers-by to enjoy.
Just Dive, led by Laura Hamilton, aims to encourage water confidence and safety amongst young people, making activities like scuba, snorkelling and even mermaid training more accessible.
After suffering from a broken back in 2014, followed by an extended hospital stint due to a near fatal case of pancreatitis, Laura was left in severe physical pain and with lasting mobility issues. However, she describes this as a ‘humbling’ time in her life, highlighting the need for more accessible services and training opportunities for those living with a disability.
Laura founded Just Dive after returning from Dubai, where she witnessed the positive difference that water sports like scuba diving can make, building self-confidence and encouraging teamwork and leadership skills amongst the young people taking part.
Laura said: “In other countries, children are introduced to sports like snorkelling as early as five - the level of water confidence in young people is astounding! We just don’t have the same enthusiasm for getting kids confident in the water in the UK but it’s an essential skill that could save your life one day.
“When I returned home, I knew this was what I was meant to do. I’ve got 20 plus years of swimming and scuba instructing under my belt. Now, I am using that to foster the next generation’s confidence and safety in the water.”
Just Dive is devoted to breaking down barriers for those living with a disability, providing specialised training for individuals with autism, ADHD and a variety of additional support needs, including physical disabilities and mental health issues. Allowing everyone to benefit from the life changing benefits of water confidence, regardless of their situation.
Katherine McGinness, Environmental and Community Coordinator at Silverburn said: “Just Dive has such an awe-inspiring story behind it, it has been a true pleasure to have the team in Silverburn to raise awareness and funds for such a vital cause. You could see the joy on visitors’ faces as they met the mermaids.
“Silverburn is deeply committed to supporting local charities to thrive within the local community. Thank you to Just Dive for their amazing display this weekend and to all the generous guests who supported their cause.”
Silverburn Cares is Silverburn’s dedicated community fund, supporting a variety of Glasgow based charities to thrive through fundraising opportunities. In 2022, Silverburn Cares helped raise over £56,000 for charities including Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity and Alzheimer Scotland.
Find out more about how Silverburn Cares can support fundraising activities or community groups by contacting enquiries@silverburn.co.uk
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