How you can break down the barriers to sport and exercise for disabled people A guide for charity staff, local authorities, grant providers and governing bodies.

57%

of disabled people are doing

no sport or exercise,

compared to just 24% of non-disabled people.

41%

of disabled people say there are

no opportunities suitable for them.

Unequal opportunities for health and wellbeing The links between access to sport and exercise and improved physical health, mental health and an expanded social life are well known. However, not everyone enjoys the same opportunities to get involved. People with disabilities do less sport and exercise and say this is because they are prevented by five barriers:

1 2 3 4 5

Lack of local adapted sports tournaments/ matches/events. Difficulty finding information about available adapted sports. A lack of investment to make venues accessible (e.g. through the provision of lifts or hoists).

Fear of injury.

A lack of transport to get to venues.

Traditional sports and exercise providers The UK Government has a vision for a more active nation, and says disabled people are one group it wants to see get priority support into sport and physical activity. Less expectation is being put on local councils to deliver this however as budgets are tight. At Leonard Cheshire, we continue to call on local councils and sports providers to make small investments in adapted or accessible sports facilities, equipment and competitions, as well as disability awareness training. A boccia kit, for example, costs just £200 and can be played by anyone on existing badminton courts. Swimming is one of the most popular and transformative sports for improving mobility and balance, and yet there remains a shortage of hoists. Nigel Murray is Britain’s most successful boccia player, having won two golds, one silver and one bronze medal from four Games appearances.

Bespoke sports wheelchairs are not essential for wheelchair sports to be played for fun, but this is often used as an excuse by those working for sports centres.

21%

of disabled people say

fear of injury

stops them taking part.

26%

of disabled people say

inaccessible facilities stop them taking part.

What are we doing? Leonard Cheshire has years of experience in providing successful sport programmes for disabled people and we want to play our part in creating even more opportunities nationally. As of May 2016, Sport England is encouraging charities to apply for lottery funding to upscale proven sport programmes for less active groups. With the Paralympic Games 2016 inspiring more involvement, this change in the dynamic of how grassroots sport is funded opens doors to go further with our activity and to address some of the five barriers to taking part. Sports we have found to be popular and impactful on physical and mental health include boccia, adapted cycling, swimming, boxing, tennis, golf, snooker and gym rehab.

Case study: Improving physical health Fay has a rare condition that causes complete blindness, obesity and diabetes. However, she was able to lose a lifesaving amount of weight through a boxing programme. This was made possible by Leonard Cheshire providing minibus transport and partnering an accessible boxing gym.

Case study: Improved mental health Prior to his stroke, Jim was very independent and enjoyed going out socially. Jim felt powerless after his stroke and mourned the active lifestyle that he had enjoyed with his wife. However, he started swimming sessions in August 2015 and his son was also able to come along and learn the techniques needed to take his father to the pool. Jim had his wellbeing measured before he started therapy using the self-evaluating WEMWBS scale. He scored 51/70. On review Jim’s wellbeing score has raised to 59/70 and it is expected to climb further as his confidence rises and he reaches more of his goals. Jim says: ‘I feel I am regaining my independence, I can go to the toilet without relying on my family to help me.’

How together we can do more Two challenges Leonard Cheshire regularly face when trying to provide sports access are a lack of minibuses and salaries for drivers. Public transport is often inadequate for getting to and from venues, so further funding from grant providers could make an enormous difference, simply in terms of getting people out and about. And in many parts of the country disability sports leagues are not operating or are poorly publicised – we are keen to address these issues also.

Future Choices Our 2016 Future Choices survey identified the sports and other activities people who use Leonard Cheshire services would like to do more of. We will be acting on this by creating more opportunities to take part from the end of 2016 onwards.

Expert partnerships Whether you’re a charity with expertise in creating sport opportunities for minority groups, a councillor involved in leisure centre choices, a grant provider or a sport governing body that wants to know more about accessible sport, there are many ways in which we can help one another. We’d love to hear from you. To find out more, please contact: Chris Mann Head of Trusts & Philanthropy [email protected]

Award winning adapted cycling programme Charity Active Gloucestershire began a partnership with Leonard Cheshire Disability in 2014 to secure funding for open community adapted cycling taster sessions in the Forest of Dean. The sessions have allowed individuals with a range of impairments including physical disabilities to take part in activities and experience some of the benefits of adapted cycling first hand.

‘

We are all capable of participating in sport, whether that be boccia or boxing (just two of the sports I know Leonard Cheshire Disability connects people to up and down the UK), and in all areas of society.’

Ryan Raghoo, who lives with cerebral palsy, is a British record holding Para-athlete long jumper and anthropologist

‘

I’m supporting Leonard Cheshire to break down barriers to sport because I believe in pushing the boundaries of what’s considered possible.’

Kadeena Cox, who has multiple sclerosis, is a holder of world records in sprinting and cycling

‘

Sport is a powerful tool and when used properly it can change people’s lives, giving them friends, confidence, and empowerment to improve their lives beyond sport. From what I have seen and heard, Leonard Cheshire Disability and charities like them work hard to create sporting opportunities.’

Ben Rushgrove, London 2012 medal winning Paralympian

Cover star: Jordanne Whiley MBE, multiple Wimbledon champion and Paralympian medallist.

Get in touch [email protected] www.leonardcheshire.org @LeonardCheshire /LeonardCheshireDisability

Leonard Cheshire Disability is a registered charity no: 218186 (England and Wales) and no: SC005117 (Scotland) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England no: 552847. VAT no: 899 3223 75. Registered office: 66 South Lambeth Road, London SW8 1RL.