Introduction
Active North Yorkshire is the recently formed leisure section of North Yorkshire Council which is made up of the county’s former district councils. Active North Yorkshire employ two people whose remit is to increase physical activity and participation of disabled people across the county.
The challenge
Disabled people - 24 per cent of UK population - are significantly less active than non-disabled peers, despite 76 per cent wanting to be more active (Activity Alliance 23/24).
Health inequalities are stark: those with learning disabilities/autism have a 19.5-year lower life expectancy, with 39 per cent of deaths avoidable (Mencap). While North Yorkshire Council facilities are physically accessible, social barriers including fear of discrimination and a lack of confidence persist, leaving many inactive.
The solution
A range of targeted and inclusive activities exist with programmes reaching all ages and abilities. We deliver targeted, enjoyable activities like Primetime - low-intensity sports and socialising - and youth clubs for neurodivergent young people offering fitness in familiar settings at their own time and pace. Alongside sport and physical activity, a cookery club, gardening group and crochet session engage people socially plus a ‘Make Every Contact Count’ approach ensures every customer receives a friendly welcome including those attending our facilities for health screening or smoking cessation sessions. Once socially involved, people can be encouraged and supported to try more active sessions including our specialist provision for people with Long Term Health Conditions. Collaboration with health, social care, and education providers and local disability forums raises confidence in individuals in our ability to meet needs and expectations.
The impact
One of the biggest impacts has been the friendships forged at the youth clubs leading to social visits to a larger leisure facility followed by swimming and ultimately gym induction and membership. These young people, referred to us by Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) are now socially and physically active having previously been extremely socially isolated, completely inactive and with poor mental health.
How is the new approach being sustained
Staff receive training in equality, diversity and inclusion. The active inclusion lead and co-ordinator are able to train, advise and support facility teams to develop new activities and promote the importance of creating environments where everyone is welcomed, respected and able to participate fully.
Lessons learned
The importance of building trust and confidence initially, listening to and learning from customers and also that a gentle approach and a slower pace often yields the best outcome.
Contact
Danielle Mulholland
Email: [email protected]