In May 2025, Together an Active Future’s Let Me Move team recruited six accessibility advocates to come on board as part of the team. TaAF, one of Sport England’s twelve Place Partners, is committed to creating fairer and more equal opportunities for everyone to enjoy the benefits of physical activity.
Prior to recruiting individuals, we also had a look at 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 when the workstream first began in May of the previous year, the idea was born out of a desire to expand upon an already growing network and tap into a 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.
“As a group, we highlighted lots of disabilities, both visible and hidden, which need to be looked at when planning an accessible route for all. It makes me smile that we can make a difference to someone and that our input could be that difference for even one person.”
Connecting with Burnley Leisure and Culture
The first meeting took place on the 13th of May, where Alexis Turner, Outdoor Activity Coordinator from Burnley Leisure and Culture, came down to Thompson Park in Burnley to talk about the Beat the Street provision. Beat the Street is an engaging, real-life game that transforms towns into giant playgrounds, encouraging residents to walk, cycle, and wheel around their local area. In Burnley, this initiative has seen thousands participate, tapping sensors on lampposts to earn points and foster a more active, connected community.
Alexis listened to feedback from the group about how Beat the Street could be made more accessible, including reducing the height of the boxes on the lampposts, having a hands-free option to collect points, and different ways to take part in the sign-up process.
“I have really enjoyed the meeting today and enjoyed learning new things and listening to enthusiasm from others.”
Connecting with Canal and River Trust
The following meeting took place on the 10th of June at Finsley Gate Wharf and involved meeting Emma Fielding from the Canal and River Trust to discuss ways we can make the canal paths more accessible for everyone. This included talking about creating wayfinding material to help people navigate their way around, the removal of A-frame gates, and introducing rest areas at certain points of the routes.
“My absolute highlight was that impairment-specific activity. It wasn’t just a theoretical discussion: it forced us to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes and consider the practicalities of filming, navigating, and experiencing the canals from different perspectives.”
Connecting with British Cycling
At the latest meeting on the 8th of July, the group had a visit from Claire Newton, Community Developer at British Cycling, to hear all about the Limitless Cycling provision happening across Burnley and Padiham. Limitless is British Cycling’s inclusive cycling programme, supported by Shell UK, dedicated to creating a nationwide network of cycling opportunities for disabled people of all ages, impairments, and abilities. Claire spoke to the group about the sessions which take place on Tuesdays at The Hive in Padiham from 10 am till 12 pm and on Thursdays at Thompson Park in Burnley from 10:30 AM to 12 PM. We also have a range of adapted bikes at our disposal to suite a range of needs.
By centering the voices of those most affected by accessibility barriers, it helps to create a more inclusive and active future for disabled people, ensuring that everyone has the chance to move more and thrive.