Sensory Alliance Announces New Project in London to Support Older People With Sensory Impairments to be Active
The Sensory Alliance has been awarded a grant from the Tackling Inequalities Fund to help older people with sensory impairments become more active.
Launched on 9 November 2021, the project will initially focus on the boroughs Barnet, Bromley, Bexley, and Croydon, but it is open to anyone over the age of 45 in London who has a sensory impairment. Individuals who register for the project will receive an accessible, downloadable activity pack containing a variety of activities that they can do alone or with friends and family in their homes or local spaces.
Photo of 2 people cycling side by side.
In addition, The Sensory Alliance will provide training opportunities to assist local partners and organisations in becoming more confident in delivering inclusive activities to those with sensory impairments.
Rosie Wilson, Oomph! Senior Marketing and Relationship Manager said:
“There has never been a more important time to focus on the wellbeing of older adults. That is why Oomph! whole heartedly supports the Sensory Alliance’s new project as a fantastic opportunity to engage older people with sensory impairments in getting active. We’ve seen first-hand that the best way to encourage physical activity is to make it fun, inclusive and adaptable – which is exactly which this project will achieve.”
Alex Pitts, National Partnerships Manager at British Blind Sport said:
“British Blind Sport understands that this has been a particularly difficult time for people with disabilities. We believe that physical activity has the power to improve lives and hope that our new project, in partnership with the Sensory Alliance, will encourage older people with sensory impairments to get back into sports and reconnect with their community. People can get involved in a variety of ways, from participating in challenges to learning new skills."
According to RNIB and Action for Hearing Loss research, there are 2 million deaf adults and over 200,000 blind and partially sighted adults in London. Lack of communication, poor mental health, low self-esteem, and transportation issues have all been identified as common barriers to participation for people with sensory impairments. COVID-19 has also had an impact on the support services available to those with sensory impairments, resulting in increased isolation, decreased physical activity, and a growing concern about mental well-being.
Photo of older people, smiling and doing seated dancing with arms in the air.
The project aims to reduce isolation and support individuals to increase physical activity in a safe and social environment. The Alliance will share stories and case studies to raise awareness of the challenges associated with mental health and wellbeing in people with sensory impairments.
Get involved: Download the activity pack and get active!
Please visit the Sensory Alliance website to register for the Activity Pack and for more information: https://ukdeafsport.org.uk/sensory-alliance/
Share your story on social: If you have used the activity pack or found a local activity via the Sensory Alliance website, we want to hear from you. Share photos and your story on social media and use #ActiveSensoryLDN.
Notes to editors
About the Sensory Alliance
The Sensory Alliance is a partnership between three charities: British Blind Sport, Sense and UK Deaf Sport who have pledged to make changes to improve the lives of those with sight and/or hearing loss.
About British Blind Sport
At British Blind Sport (BBS), we help blind and partially sighted people to get active and play sport. We encourage people of all ages to participate in activities at all levels, from grassroots to the Paralympic Games. BBS are working with local and national partners to help to create more inclusive opportunities in sports and activity throughout the UK. Whilst contributing to the fight against isolation and loneliness which people with a visual impairment face every day, BBS is changing the lives of people living with sight loss through the power of sport.
Main contact: Alexandra Pitts, National Partnerships Manager
alex@britishblindsport.org.uk
www.britishblindsport.org.uk
About Sense
Sense is a national disability charity that supports people living with complex disabilities, including those who are deafblind, to communicate and experience the world. Sense supports children, young people and adults in their home and in the community, in their education and transition to adulthood and through its holidays, arts, sports and wellbeing programmes. In addition to practical support to families, Sense also offers information advice, short breaks and family events, and campaigns for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life. For more information please visit www.sense.org.uk
Main contact: Louis Wickett-Padgham, Sport & Physical Activity Development Manager
louis.wickett-padgham@sense.org.uk
www.sense.org.uk
About UK Deaf Sport
We are the Nationwide Deaf Sport Organisation with a vision that every Deaf person is active and inspired by sport and physical activity. UK Deaf Sport supports deaf children, young people and adults. We are committed to connecting Deaf organisations to sport and physical activity partners whilst also sharing best practice and raising the profile of deaf sports. We respond to the needs of deaf people and use our insight to ensure all of our work is reaching out across the sport and physical activity sector. We use the term ‘deaf’ to refer to all levels of hearing loss in children, young people and adults, including a partial or total loss of hearing. This includes those who may describe themselves as having a ‘hearing loss’, ‘hearing impairment’ or as ‘deaf’, and includes children who have glue ear.
Main contact: Sadie Lawson, National Partnership Advisor
sadie.lawson@ukds.org.uk
www.ukds.org.uk
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