w w w . w e s t o x o n . g o v . u kLeisure and Tourism

Engaging people with mental ill-health and disabilities in sport and physical activity

West Oxfordshire District CouncilJenny Bennett – Leisure Development OfficerRachel Biles – Leisure Development Officer

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Background• Successful In it together for adults

with learning disabilities• Identified gaps in provision for adults

with mental ill health• Undertook extensive research with

various user groups to establish a need

• Replicated the In it together model for this target group

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What the consultation showed…

Sedentary lifestyle

Main barriers

Sports of interest

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Aims and objectives• Create more opportunities for

disabled people to take part in sport• Support local clubs to develop their

inclusive opportunities • Raise the profile of disability and

Paralympic sports

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What happened next……• Of the three sports offered Boccia

was most popular• Therefore established a regular

Boccia session with the leisure centre

• Trained up one of the participants who has mental ill health and is now delivering within her setting

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Why our project was successful…• Good consultation• Providing Inspirational coaches• Offer free taster sessions• Subsidising session costs• Accessible/desirable locations and time• Offer flexibility on attendance• Working in partnership with

organisations• Building relationships with target

participants

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Other successful projects

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Any questions?

Thank you for your time!