Chill
About CHILL
CHILL is an evidence-based, socially prescribed cold water immersion and swimming programme, developed by CHILL UK to support people experiencing mental health challenges including anxiety and depression. Connect Outdoors is proud to deliver CHILL, the Isle of Man's only licensed CHILL franchise.
Our team of four qualified Cold Water Swim Coaches completed their training with the CHILL UK team in Devon in 2025, with training generously funded by Dr Mike Faughey-Scraggs, who trained alongside the team. This investment means we can now offer this clinically informed programme right here on the Isle of Man.
Why CHILL Works
Cold water immersion and swimming has a growing body of evidence behind it, supporting improvements in mood, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, and building resilience and community connection. By embedding CHILL within our social prescribing pathways, we can offer participants a safe, supported, and transformative experience in the Isle of Man's stunning coastal environment.
Every session is led by qualified CHILL coaches and supported by a qualified beach or open water lifeguard, ensuring that participants can explore cold water immersion in a safe, supportive, and confidence-building environment , whether they are swimming or simply stepping into the water for the first time.
Our 8-Week Programme
Week
Focus
Week 1
Introduction - sea and weather safety, knowledge of cold water, first immersion
Week 2
Understanding your body's response to cold water immersion
Week 3
Deepening breathwork - using breath to manage the cold water response
Week 4
Building confidence and extending time in the water
Week 5
Sea awareness and open water swimming skills
Week 6
Connecting mind and body - resilience, reflection and cold water
Week 7
Independent confidence — participants begin to lead their own practice
Week 8
Celebration session — reflection, warm down and next steps
Every session includes guided breathwork, a warm up, sea and weather safety, cold water immersion or swimming, and a warm down.
Find Out More About Chill
In addition to our 8-week programme, the CHILL team also offer bespoke half-day cold water immersion experiences for private groups and corporate clients , a unique and powerful way to connect teams with nature, build resilience, and support staff wellbeing on the Isle of Man's stunning coastline.
The CHILL team can also safely support any events that are leading groups in the sea or cold water spots on the Island.
What People Say
"Cold water therapy has such strong emerging evidence behind it to support both mental and physical health. Investing in proper, evidence-based training means Connect Outdoors can deliver this safely and effectively for the Manx community. Supporting the training felt like a natural investment in the future of wellbeing provision on the Isle of Man."
"CHILL has not only been a transformational process for patients but has facilitated peer support, self-management and lifelong friendships. The benefits have been pivotal to both wellbeing and better management of chronic health conditions. A massive well done to all involved including participants."
