Frequently Asked Questions

Technical questions

The website isn’t working properly. Who do I contact?

You can telephone your SWiM Coach on 01223 375399 or email swim.coach@mrc-epid.cam.ac.uk.

I don’t know how to use SWiM. Who do I contact?

You can telephone your SWiM Coach who will be able to help you. Please call 01223 375399 or email swim.coach@mrc-epid.cam.ac.uk.

I’ve forgotten my username/password. What do I do?

Please email your SWiM Coach at swim.coach@mrc-epid.cam.ac.uk explaining that you have forgotten your username or password. They will be able to help you access your account.

Can I access the website on my phone?

Yes! You can access the website by using the web browser on your phone. Type in the website address: swim.research.sc

Click at the top right of your web browser to view further options. You can then add the website address to your home screen to access the SWiM programme like a mobile app.

Questions about your privacy

Is my use of SWiM being tracked?

Yes. As you are taking part in a research study, the SWiM research team will be collecting data through the website on how you use the SWiM programme. This is not to check if you are using the programme, we are collecting this data to help us to improve SWiM for future users. Your data will be stored securely and anonymised, which means it cannot be linked back to you in any way.

Who will see the information I write in the programme? What will happen to this information?

Your SWiM Coach and members of the SWiM research team will be able to see information you input into SWiM (such as the exercises you complete). The SWiM research team will have access to the information to analyse it for the research study. Your data will be stored securely and anonymised, so that it cannot be linked back to you in any way.

Will my GP receive my data?

No. Your GP will not receive any data that you write in the SWiM programme.

Will my name and email address be available for everyone to see?

No. No personal details will be available to the public or other participants in the SWiM study.

Questions about your coach

*Please note, SWiM Coaches are only available to participants who were allocated to the SWiM programme at the start of the research study.

Who is my coach?

You can find information on your coach by clicking on the About tab at the top of the page and then Meet the Team.

How do I (re)arrange a call with my coach?

If you need to rearrange a call with your coach, please contact them as soon as possible on 01223 375399 or email swim.coach@mrc-epid.cam.ac.uk.

I missed a call with my coach. Can I still have this call?

If you have missed a call with your coach, you can rearrange this call if it is within a week of your missed appointment. Please contact your coach on 01223 375399 or email swim.coach@mrc-epid.cam.ac.uk.

What can I talk to my coach about?

SWiM is designed to help you manage your weight on your own and so the role of your coach is to help guide you through the SWiM programme, rather than provide specific advice. Your coach is not able to provide you with medical or dietary advice.

Questions about the SWiM programme

I don’t understand the programme. Who can help me with this?

Please contact your SWiM Coach, who will be happy to help you. You can telephone them on 01223 375399 or email swim.coach@mrc-epid.cam.ac.uk.

Can I continue to use the website after I have completed the 14 sessions?

Yes. Once you have completed the SWiM programme, you will have access to all SWiM sessions and SWiM Tools to continue your weight management journey.

Can my friends/family have access to the SWiM website?

No. As you are taking part in a research study, only you are able to access the SWiM programme. This is to ensure that the data we collect through the website is accurate.

Suggestions or complaints

I’d like to give feedback on SWiM. Who can I contact?

You can provide feedback on SWiM by contacting your SWiM Coach or a member of the SWiM research team on 01223 375399 or email swim.coach@mrc-epid.cam.ac.uk or email swim2.study@ims.cam.ac.uk.

How do I make a complaint about my experience of SWiM?

You can raise a complaint by contacting your SWiM Coach or a member of the SWiM research team on 01223 375399 or email swim.coach@mrc-epid.cam.ac.uk or email swim2.study@ims.cam.ac.uk.

I don’t want to take part in the programme. Who can I contact?

Please contact your SWiM Coach on 01223 375399 or email swim.coach@mrc-epid.cam.ac.uk to discuss your withdrawal from the SWiM programme.