Transforming access and connection to physical activity through community partnerships
The Trust's Newark Intellectual Developmental Disabilities (IDD) team have continued their partnership with Sport for Confidence CIC who work with a growing network of local organisations, including Active Notts, to explore new ways of supporting people with learning disabilities to access meaningful physical activity within their communities. What began as an ambitious, place-based partnership has evolved into a practical and impactful model that brings together health, social care and community provision in a more connected way.
Centred on a 12-week community-based programme at the YMCA Newark and Sherwood Community and Activity Village, the project brings NHS Allied Health Professionals together with sport and leisure providers and specialist partners including Boccia England. Sport for Confidence has played a key role in supporting the integration of therapeutic, person-centred physical activity within this real-world setting, contributing strategic insight and sharing learning from similar work delivered in other parts of the country.
The programme has created a clear and supportive pathway from NHS services into community-based activity, with individuals taking part in tailored Boccia sessions designed collaboratively by healthcare professionals and coaches. Occupational therapists, physiotherapists and speech and language therapists have adapted their clinical expertise into a more social, activity-focused environment, working alongside delivery staff to ensure each session is meaningful and accessible. This approach reflects a shift away from traditional models of care, instead embedding therapy within enjoyable, shared experiences that support both health and wider occupational outcomes.
Vicky Romilly, Clinical Director of IDD Services , at the Trust reflects on how the work has developed: The project started as a result of our multi-disciplinary team of therapists in Newark wanting to signpost our service users to accessible sporting groups for adults with learning disabilities in our local community. We quickly realised there were very limited options for our service users to attend. After looking at the new facilities at the YMCA we wanted to see if we could set up a group in partnership that provided accessible physical activity for our service users with NHS therapy input delivered at the same time. With a lot of research and discussions we collaborated with the YMCA and our other partners to allow our vision to become a reality.
A key learning from the partnership is that collaboration is not simply supportive but fundamental to achieving change' adds Romilly. Bringing together different expertise, environments and perspectives has enabled more inclusive and adaptable provision, helping individuals to take part in activities that feel meaningful to them. Values are also recognised as central across partnerships, a values base of 'we are all equals' develops connectivity.
All of this also aligns closely with the Five Ways to Wellbeing, supporting people to connect, be active, keep learning, give and take notice, while also reinforcing the role of prevention and early support within health and social care systems.
Liz Fletcher, Occupational Therapist and National Lead at Sport for Confidence, explains: Sport and physical activity has the power to deliver a vast array of physical and mental health outcomes. This project in Nottingham opens the door to participation opportunities that for many have, until now, not been accessible whilst also creating a wider network of support that drives social connection and engagement with the community. We are working with the collective delivery team, sharing our experience and knowledge from similar projects we have delivered in Essex, demonstrating how this approach can create meaningful, long-term impact.
Evaluation of the project to date highlights the benefits of this integrated approach. Participants have been supported to build confidence, connect with others and develop skills that extend beyond the sessions themselves, while carers and professionals have had opportunities to learn alongside one another. This has strengthened relationships across sectors and contributed to a more shared understanding of how best to support individuals in ways that feel relevant and sustainable.
The work also demonstrates how community-based opportunities can contribute to reducing reliance on more traditional, individualised services by supporting self-management and encouraging ongoing engagement in physical activity. While challenges remain, particularly around transport, funding and system flexibility, the partnership offers a strong example of what can be achieved when organisations work together with a shared purpose.
Nathaniel Söderberg, Health and Sports Manager, YMCA Newark and Sherwood Community and Activity Village, says: What started as a partnership with the Nottinghamshire Healthcare has grown into a much wider inclusive sports programme within our community.
In addition to the two NHS led sessions we have introducing inclusive table tennis to provide more variety for people who are more mobile, as well as a Boccia Compete class for participants who want to develop their skills in a more competitive setting.
Witnessing the confidence, social connection and enjoyment people are gaining from these sessions showcases the value accessible community sport delivers. This July, we are planning our first inclusive sports day, a really exciting next step for everyone involved.
As the project continues to develop, there is ambition to expand the approach further, strengthening pathways into new community settings, increasing accessibility for more people across the region.
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