This summer, thousands of people across the UK will be taking the plunge and skinny dipping to raise money for British Heart Foundation (BHF) while experiencing the exhilaration of being naked. They will improve their mental and physical health and well-being, boost their body confidence, and reduce their stress. They will also have great fun!
The Great British Skinny Dip is a campaign by British Naturism (BN) aimed at raising funds for the BHF, and:
- Promoting greater understanding of Naturism and social nudity
- Encouraging acceptance and participation in Naturism
- Improving facilities and opportunities for Naturism
- Promoting body confidence and well-being
Participation in Naturism is on the rise, with BN reporting significant increases in new joiners since the 2020 lockdown. An Ipsos poll commissioned by British Naturism in 2022, revealed (pun intended) that almost 7 million Britons describe themselves as ‘Naturists’ or ‘Nudists’.
A dip takes place on Friday 9th June at Petersfield Lido.
The team at Petersfield's wonderful outdoor pool needed little persuasion to come onboard with the Great British Skinny Dip. The Trustees took a look at the proposal and said "Well, why not? Why would we discriminate against people who want to be free-and-easy and open, to swim as nature intended in a place where they can feel safe?”
General Manager Tom Callingham commented "It's a nice opportunity for something new (at our pool), I feel sure it will go very well"
Stephen Piper, a local BN member who proposed the event, says "I'm excited to be helping to bring GBSD to Petersfield; this is a great opportunity for local people to experience skinny-dipping for the first time. Leave your swimsuits and your fears at home, bring a friend, a towel, and a smile, and have a great evening!"
Andrew Welch, National spokesman for British Naturism, said:
“Taboos around nudity are eroding and the health and well-being benefits of going naked are more widely understood, with more and more people wanting to shrug off convention and the rigours of daily life and experience it for themselves. Swimming without a costume is one of the most exhilarating things you can do and we want encourage everyone to come and give it a go - and raise much needed funds for our charity partner, British Heart Foundation.
We have people willing to be interviewed/photographed and stock photos for media use.
Media attendance is possible, with advance notice.
Contacts and links
British Naturism:
Andrew Welch andrew.welch@bn.org.uk; 07774 955138 greatbritishskinnydip.co.uk
Petersfield Lido:
British Heart Foundation:
Will Slater
07818 510 100