Swim-IT Lessons

27/08/2026

XCITE UPDATE

Whilst we are pleased that the deadline may now be paused, I think it is important to be clear that this is not, and has never been, a consultation in its truest form.

What has taken place has been an ultimatum, with a deadline attached. Pausing that deadline may be welcome for now, but unless the underlying agenda and approach change, this is simply a continuation of what has already been done.

We are also concerned that, despite the public pause, elements of the process appear to be continuing behind the scenes, including progression towards Stage 3 "consultation". For us, that raises questions over what the pause actually changes in practice.

The decision should have been to state clearly that the "proposal" has been stopped. From there, the focus should be on genuine collaborative working to improve opportunity within communities across West Lothian, and on starting a proper, professional, ethical and evidence-based consultation.

A genuine consultation means that all parties affected have a meaningful voice. It means expert advice is valued and actively sought, and that information, evidence and facts are gathered, properly scrutinised and assessed before decisions are made, rather than decisions being reached first and consultation following afterwards.

So yes, we are pleased to see movement, but the fight is not over. Pausing a deadline is not the same as stopping the "proposal", and it is not the same as committing to a genuine consultation. That is what needs to happen now.

Please keep sharing and signing the petition 🙏
*link in comments*
This still continues to be a National issue and is currently affecting far wider than West Lothian

25/08/2026

23/08/2026

Please take some time to read and share.
You can support by signing and sharing our petition link below.
(Signatures only count once email has been verified)

Yes this immediately affects our local communities but this raises concerns on a National level. We need 10,000 signatures

https://c.org/HMphVtfrqF

We stand together with the other 6 affected providers and communities ❤️💙

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Moving my son Sam from West Calder to Armadale to a different pool and changing his schedule will have a severe, detrimental impact on Sams physical health, emotional well-being, and social development. It will also significantly disrupt our vital support network as his carers.

1. Impact on Health and Physical MobilityMobility Support:
Sam faces significant mobility challenges. Swimming is not just recreation for him; it is a critical form of physical therapy that maintains his strength and movement.Routine and Sensory Needs: Due to his Down syndrome, visual impairment, and hearing impairment, consistency is vital. The current pool is a familiar environment where he knows the layout, the lighting, and the acoustics.
The Risk of Change: Forcing him into a new pool environment with different sensory inputs creates an immediate safety risk, increases his anxiety, and may cause him to reject swimming entirely, leading to a decline in his fitness.

2. Impact on Friendships and Social Life Skills Irreplaceable Friendships:
Over time Sam has built deep bonds and genuine friendships with the peers in his current session. Because of his communication barriers, these relationships are incredibly precious and difficult to form.
Loss of Community: Changing his time isolates him from the very community that accepts him. It robs him of the peer group that motivates him to participate and thrive.
Life Skills Development:
The consistency of this club teaches him independence and essential life skills. A sudden, enforced change shatters the routine he relies on to feel secure and successful.

3. Critical Impact on Me as a Carer
Essential Respite:
The current swimming slot provides me with predictable, reliable respite. Caring for a young adult with complex needs is a 24/7 role, and this specific time allows me to recharge or manage other essential duties.
Logistical Impossibility:
Our current schedule is carefully balanced around Sam’s other care needs, therapies, and transport. A time change creates a domino effect that disrupts our entire weekly structure, causing unnecessary stress and hardship, which could transpire to us not being able to attend swimming at all .
We need X-cite to allow us to keep the continuity of our sessions at West Calder for all the above listed points and put our swimmers mental and physical well being above their own unclear agenda .