Let Me Move is a collaboration between Together an Active Future (TaAF) and Activity Alliance, to better understand disabled peoples’ barriers to physical activity in outdoor places and spaces, and to co-design the solutions.
Research conducted in the Activity Alliance Annual Disability and Activity Survey in 2022-23, tells us that disabled people are half as likely to see ‘people like me’ both playing and working in sport and activity and that they prefer being active in outdoor spaces.
By assembling a diverse group of individuals with lived experience, along with their allies, and through shared knowledge, the team aims to:
- Learn: By listening to each other’s experiences, they’ll gain valuable insights into the challenges faced by disabled people.
- Co-Design Solutions: Armed with this knowledge, they’ll work together to create practical, inclusive solutions that break down barriers and promote active lifestyles.
We are also creating a recruitment process which recognises and values the diverse skills and experience of disabled people and reflects this through paid opportunities. We are thrilled to introduce two passionate new members of the Let Me Move team, Joe and Bradley.
Meet Bradley Wilson
Hello my name is Bradley, I am a very supportive, kind and caring person, who volunteers my spare time supporting others with learning disabilities. I have volunteered for over 10 years with various organisations and have created my own networking group called ‘Spring into Phab’; this group is for people with learning disabilities to meet and attend organised events. This year we were nominated for the Ribble Valley Business awards – I am a huge advocate for allowing people with disabilities the same opportunities, social inclusion and accessibility.
I have strong skills in networking, building relationships, organising events and social media.
Wherever I go people know me, as I am a person you will not forget; I enjoy building rapport and socialising. My current role is with Pathways Associates supporting and delivering training to care providers, covering relationships and autism awareness courses.
Meet Joe Skinner
Hi all, I hope you’re all doing good! My name is Joe Skinner and I’ve recently become part of the TaAF Let Me Move team. I’m very much looking forward to working on this fantastic project to create an inclusive environment for those with additional needs within the physical activity sector. As someone who uses an electric wheelchair and has cerebral palsy, I know first-hand the positive impact getting outdoors and being active can have on your physical and mental well-being, which is why this project is so important.
Through my role with TaAF, I will call upon my seven years of experience in coaching sports to those with additional needs, as well as my experience in campaigning in a personal capacity for a more collaborative approach to addressing inequalities within society. The reason I use the word “collaborative” is because this approach is key to achieving change in any line of work, but particularly within this field. Networking and working with a team of people with varied skill sets and lived experiences is something that I thrive upon, as it is a really good feeling when people come together!
In addition to my background in coaching, I will also look to utilise the fact that last September I obtained a multimedia sports journalism degree. I will use this experience to help highlight the wonderful impact physical activity can have on us all.
For more information or to connect with our work, please contact: rachael.mchugh@blackburn.gov.uk