The Let Me Move workstream was created in May 2024 in collaboration with Activity Alliance to develop a deeper understanding of the barriers disabled people face within physical activity settings, with the aim of removing those barriers. Research from Activity Alliance shows that only 43% of disabled people feel they have the chance to be as active as they want, compared to 69% of non-disabled people. Disabled people are also less than half as likely to ‘see people like them’ playing, working, or volunteering in sport and physical activity.
Through this workstream we are learning directly from disabled people, co-designing solutions, and building strong partnerships to change the system together. From Accessibility Advocates sharing their lived experiences, to supporting organisations with practical tools like accessibility audits and Active CPD, Let Me Move is about creating environments where everyone feels welcome and able to take part.
Representation in the Workforce
Creating a workforce that truly reflects our communities is central to building an inclusive system. That’s why Let Me Move is working with partners including Burnley Leisure and Culture, Pathways, Activity Alliance, and Lancashire County Council’s Supported Employment Services to employ people directly into roles that influence and deliver change. Using our Shared Role Model, we’re creating opportunities that increase representation in the workforce and act as an enabler for inclusion.
We know there are real challenges in accessing work. That’s why developing skills and creating routes into meaningful roles is so important. Through TaAF, people like Joe, Bradley, and Andrew have accessed training, skills development, and opportunities that not only support their personal journeys but also help shape a more inclusive system.
Watch Joe’s video to hear him talk about some of the barriers to accessing work.
Watch Bradley’s video to hear him talk about his journey into employment.
This is about more than individual opportunity, it’s about sustaining the work, learning from each other, and co-designing solutions for the future. By building a workforce that better represents the communities we serve, we’re creating stronger role models, breaking down barriers, and ensuring inclusion is built into the system for the long term.
Read more about Joe and Bradley joining the teamRead more about Let Me Move... into employment
<< Some of the work Joe and Bradley have undertaken includes accessibility audits of physical activity spaces in local parks.
They have produced a series of videos to communicate their learnings. Watch the videos by clicking on the image or visiting the TaAF YouTube channel.
The insight we’ve gained has been invaluable in helping us challenge our own thinking in ensuring the waterways are enjoyable for everyone – Canal and River Trust
The insight we’ve gained has been invaluable in helping us challenge our own thinking in ensuring the waterways are enjoyable for everyone – Canal and River Trust
The insight we’ve gained has been invaluable in helping us challenge our own thinking in ensuring the waterways are enjoyable for everyone – Canal and River Trust
The insight we’ve gained has been invaluable in helping us challenge our own thinking in ensuring the waterways are enjoyable for everyone – Canal and River Trust
The insight we’ve gained has been invaluable in helping us challenge our own thinking in ensuring the waterways are enjoyable for everyone – Canal and River Trust
Lived Experience in Design
In May 2025 we recruited six accessibility advocates to come on board as part of the team.
Prior to recruiting we reviewed the recruitment process itself and how we could make it easier for the individuals applying. Not everyone applies for job roles in the same way, and so we wanted to adopt an approach that focused on the most comfortable way for people to do so, in order for them to truly showcase their strengths. Within this process, we offered applicants the opportunity to either submit a 500-word document, a short video of up to three minutes, an audio recording up to three minutes, or any other way that met their needs.
Having already recruited two individuals with lived experience of disability, the idea was born out of a desire to expand upon the diverse knowledge base that people with lived experience have to offer in addressing barriers to physical activity.
Lived experience is a key asset when it comes to finding solutions to barriers; however, often people with that lived experience are not directly involved in the process of identifying those barriers. So, we want to work with them to co-design solutions to these barriers and build upon existing networks and relationships with key stakeholders, as well as creating new ones in order to achieve sustainable change.
The group meets monthly to share their experiences and insight, as well as meet with a range of organisations and physical activity providers to talk about the work going on in the Burnley area and how they can support.
The insight has deepened my understanding of accessibility and strengthened my commitment to creating inclusive communities – British Cycling
The insight has deepened my understanding of accessibility and strengthened my commitment to creating inclusive communities – British Cycling
The insight has deepened my understanding of accessibility and strengthened my commitment to creating inclusive communities – British Cycling
The insight has deepened my understanding of accessibility and strengthened my commitment to creating inclusive communities – British Cycling
The insight has deepened my understanding of accessibility and strengthened my commitment to creating inclusive communities – British Cycling
Watch our video to hear about our work with Pendle Hubs
Watch our video to hear about our work with British Cycling
Watch our video to hear about our work with Accrington Stanley
Watch our video to hear about our work with Disability Snowsport
Inclusion in Delivery – A Partnership Approach
Building on existing networks, as well as establishing new ones, is a key part of our approach. As mentioned above, it is vital that we recognise that no one has all the answers when it comes to inclusive physical activity, but it is the willingness to come together and establish strong relationships that achieves sustainable change. Through our work, we provide Active CPD to both partners looking to develop inclusive physical provision, or those looking to further enhance what they already have. This includes conducting informal accessibility audits of physical spaces and working with key stakeholders to help them understand the wider barriers to physical activity for disabled people and how they can influence decision-making processes.
Read more about our work with:
Pendle Family Hubs | Accrington Stanley | British Cycling-Limitless Town
The work is helping us see ParkPlay through the eyes of those with lived experience, making every part of the journey more inclusive and welcoming
The work is helping us see ParkPlay through the eyes of those with lived experience, making every part of the journey more inclusive and welcoming
The work is helping us see ParkPlay through the eyes of those with lived experience, making every part of the journey more inclusive and welcoming
The work is helping us see ParkPlay through the eyes of those with lived experience, making every part of the journey more inclusive and welcoming
The work is helping us see ParkPlay through the eyes of those with lived experience, making every part of the journey more inclusive and welcoming
For more information contact Rachael Mchugh, TaAF Let Me Move Lead: Rachael.Mchugh@blackburn.gov.uk