Grove Cottage's Get Active Sports Club

The Pitch

Problem statement

Exercise is important for physical and emotional wellbeing and for social development. However, people with learning disabilities face barriers to exercise including: a lack of appropriate equipment and activities; inaccessible venues; financial constraints; and lack of confidence. Only 17% of people with a learning disability play sport at least once a week, compared to 40% of the general population (Sport England).   Additionally, people with learning disabilities are at a higher risk of being socially isolated and research by Scope found that a staggering 85% of disabled adults between 18-34 feel lonely. Loneliness contributes to health risks such as depression, high blood pressure

Solution

Our Get Active Club combats these problems by getting people together to exercise regularly in a supportive environment. Our staff are trained to understand the needs of people with learning disabilities. They know how to communicate with our members and encourage them to exercise. Get Active promotes physical activity, healthy nutrition, and positive friendships for people with learning disabilities, all helping to reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease which people with a learning disability are at a higher risk of developing Funding will help cover the annual costs of new equipment, refreshments, club materials, visits to external sports facilities, rent, and wages.

Why are we best placed to deliver?

Grove Cottage has been supporting people with learning disabilities for over 55 years. Many of our trustees and staff have a family member or a lived experience of learning disabilities. We have been providing and adapting services to meet the changing needs of our beneficiaries very successfully. Our clubs and services operate at full capacity and many having waiting lists demonstrating both the need and demand in our area. Our staff are extremely passionate, experienced and well trained to deliver our clubs and services. We work closely with the NHS, social/children's services and other local organisations/charities to ensure people with a learning disability can access what they need.

Focus Areas

Delivery plan

Budget breakdown

Beneficiaries

15 people

Expected impact

The people attending our Get Active Sports Club will feel happier, be more independent, and be less socially isolated. They will learn new skills, have new experiences and make friends. Their physical and mental health and overall wellbeing will be improved. The focus will be on their abilities and achievements instead of their disability. The beneficiaries of Get Active will also learn about health nutrition and be provided with healthy snacks. Studies have shown that designing activities specially for individuals with disabilities are associated with higher levels of participation; our staff tailor activities to make them accessible and inclusive to all group members. With the right support, people with learning disabilities can live independent and fulfilled lives. Families and carers will benefit from much-needed respite and the opportunity to work/and or spend time with their other children.

Track record

A quote from the mum of one of our Get Active Sports Club beneficiaries:- "Jack has been attending Get Active for almost three years now. He thoroughly enjoys it and always comes home exhausted but happy! He’s certainly got fitter and slimmer which is an absolute bonus! It’s also given him the opportunity to make friends with other members of the group including the volunteers. He’s been able to confide in the volunteers about his fears for moving from school to College. The support he receives both physically and emotionally has also been a great support to us as his parents to help manage this period of transition. The opportunity to try new sports, which would otherwise not be accessible, is wonderful and has certainly boosted his self-confidence. As a family we are extremely grateful for the opportunities Get Active has provided for Jack. Long may it continue!"

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