Canolfan Pentre Awel officially opens its hydrotherapy pool

[Carmarthenshire County Council Press Release, issued 27 Febuary 2026]

Canolfan Pentre Awel’s new hydrotherapy pool is now open to patients, marking a significant milestone in the delivery of high-quality, integrated health and wellbeing services for the region, thanks to the partnership between Carmarthenshire County Council and Hywel Dda University Health Board. The new facility will also be available to Actif members from Monday 2 March.

The development of the hydrotherapy pool has been made possible through the generous support and long-standing commitment of two local charities, the Llanelli Hydrotherapy Pool Committee and the Elizabeth Williams Endowment. Funding also came from the national charity Treat Trust Wales and the Welsh Government. 

Working in partnership with public sector bodies, the charity trustees have played an important role in supporting the vision for an accessible, high-quality hydrotherapy facility for the local community. Their contribution reflects a shared commitment to improving health, wellbeing, and rehabilitation opportunities for people across the region.

Managed by Carmarthenshire County Council’s Actif sport and leisure service, the new hydrotherapy pool facility provides therapeutic water-based treatment to support rehabilitation, pain management, mobility improvement, and long-term health conditions. The pool has been purpose-built to meet high clinical standards, featuring warm-water therapy environments, accessible changing areas, specialist equipment, and enhanced privacy for users.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans said:

“I am delighted that the much-needed Hydrotherapy Pool facility at Canolfan Pentre Awel is now officially open. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you on behalf of the County Council to the two local charities and Treat Trust Wales that have worked extremely hard to raise funds that have contributed to the construction of the hydrotherapy pool. Having a hydrotherapy pool right here in Llanelli means life-changing support is on the doorstep of the people who need it most—bringing comfort, mobility, and dignity within reach of our own community.”

Lee Davies, Executive Director of Strategy and Planning at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said:

“The hydrotherapy pool is a significant step forward in the delivery of integrated health and wellbeing services for our communities. We are proud to say that this facility has been made possible through successful partnership working and the generosity, commitment and hard work of the charitable organisations involved. Their support has helped turn a shared vision into reality. Having a purpose-built hydrotherapy pool within Canolfan Pentre Awel will make a real difference to our communities across the region, supporting rehabilitation, recovery, and long-term health closer to home.”

John Davies, Head of Physiotherapy Service at Hywel Dda University Health Board said:

“The development of this modern facility will enable us to bring specialist NHS hydrotherapy services closer to the population of Llanelli and surrounding areas.

“Hydrotherapy is a water-based exercise therapy that helps people manage pain, improve mobility, and recover more quickly from injury or illness. The warmth helps relax muscles and ease joint stiffness, while the buoyancy of the water reduces pressure on painful or weak joints. Many people also experience positive psychological benefits, including reduced anxiety about movement, improved wellbeing, and greater motivation to engage in their rehabilitation. 

“The co-location of the unit within Pentre Awel, creates exciting opportunities to empower people to continue to exercise following treatment, in modern gym and public swimming pool facilities.”

Louise Jones-Evans, Team Lead Physiotherapist at Hywel Dda University Health Board said: 

“Aquatic physiotherapy will deliver structured, targeted exercises using the waters properties of warmth, buoyancy and resistance to provide rehabilitation for musculoskeletal, neurological, post operative and paediatric conditions.”

Christine Protheroe, Chair of the Llanelli Hydrotherapy Committee added:

“My daughter needed physiotherapy and hydrotherapy treatment from when she was only 2 years old. I used to take her to the previous Llanelli Leisure Centre for exercise in the water but it was clear that she needed additional treatments in a pool designed for such reasons. I found an osteopath in Bristol, so we would travel there once a week- which is a long way to go! We found a private hydrotherapy pool in Kidwelly, but after further health complications we had to stop attending. I thought, we need a hydrotherapy pool in Llanelli, so me and 10 of my female friends started a charity to raise funds for such a facility. We would attend the local hospital 3 times a week, selling raffle tickets, bookmarks, pens- anything you can think of really! We would host an event once a month, like a coffee morning- and people came and donated! It took us 30 years, but we got there! The facility is stunning, and the changing rooms are fantastic for wheelchair users and their carers. It is going to help so many people!”.

 
Treat Trust Wales commented:

“Treat Trust Wales, a charity set up over 20 years ago with the aim of developing a purpose built rehabilitation facility in Wales to help people with disabilities is delighted to be able to make a significant financial donation for the hydrotherapy facility, a project that that we believe will benefit the communities we set out to support. Our late founders, Mel (paralysed in a motorcycle accident) and husband Mike Davies, would have been thrilled to see this project and as Trustees, we look forward to seeing the results of this fabulous project over the coming years.”

The facility reflects Carmarthenshire County Council and Hywel Dda University Health Board’s commitment to providing patient‑centred care for those needing rehabilitation and will help to address priority areas in health and wellbeing. It also marks a significant milestone in delivering high‑quality, integrated health and wellbeing services, closer to home.

The hydrotherapy pool will support NHS services, community groups, partner organisations and individuals, with a structured timetable in place to ensure safe and equitable access. Hydrotherapy offers significant therapeutic benefits, helping to reduce pain, improve mobility and support rehabilitation following injury or illness. It is an invaluable resource for all patients and the wider community.

Canolfan Pentre Awel is central to a wider vision to integrate health, research, business, sport, and leisure facilities on a single site, accessible to Carmarthenshire residents and those further afield, with partnership working an important part of helping to realise that vision. 

For bookings outside of Hywel Dda University Health Board’s opening hours, please visit the Actif website.