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Released: 01.04.10

People with learning disabilities are often excluded from sport because of inaccessible facilities, a lack of understanding, fear or prejudice on the part of sports centre or coaching staff, the preconceptions of other players or a limited ability to communicate verbally.  They often need extra support to learn the rules, skills and subtle nuances of a sport and to communicate effectively with coaching staff and other players.  Consequently, many people with learning disabilities don’t take part in sport or reap the many physical, social and psychological benefits that regular exercise provides. 

UCP Marjon has teamed up with the Plymouth Learning Disability Partnership (PLDP) to tackle this problem.  With funding from the PLDP, UCP Marjon has set up Access Sport, a scheme that provides volunteer support to adults with learning disabilities in Plymouth to enable them to take part in sport and physical exercise.

The project aims to improve the health & wellbeing of people with learning disabilities in Plymouth through increased participation in sport & exercise.  It is hoped that clients will improve their confidence, communication skills and social skills through interaction in sport, volunteers, Access Sport staff and with staff and the public at fitness centres and sports facilities.  Furthermore, those clients will increase their sense of self determination and be enabled and empowered to access ordinary community resources and increase their independence & inclusion within the community.

Access Sport is designed to be a stepping stone into activity.  Clients are offered 12 weeks of volunteer support to help them to become more active.   It is hoped that at the end of the 12 weeks Service Users feel confident enough to access sport facilities and activities on their own. Access Sport, initially focused on using the sports facilities at UCP Marjon, however it was quickly recognised that to enable Service Users to access a wide range of sporting activities that it was necessary to work with a number of satellite sites. Access Sport is pleased to announce that it’s supportive network of clubs, coaches, and organisations now includes Central Park Leisure Pools, Plymouth Pavilions, the Mayflower Leisure Centre Trust and Plymstock Tennis Club.

Michelle Murray, UCP Marjon Disability Sport Coordinator says
“All of the organisations have been really supportive of Access Sport’s aim. The satellite centres provide an array of sports provision in a friendly and welcoming manner which can only benefit Service Users. The support and help provided by each of these organisations has been exemplary. With UCP Marjon’s new sport centre due to open in early summer it will be an honour to provide some of the best sport facilities in the South West to increase opportunities.”

If you would like to find out more about accessing the scheme or becoming a volunteer please contact Michelle Murray – mmuray@ucpmarjon,ac.uk or 01752 636700 ext: 4346.
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