At Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP), we’re dedicated to increasing the health and happiness of residents in Somerset through physical activity and sport. Recent findings from the Activity Alliance Annual Disability and Activity Survey 2023-24 highlight why this work is more important than ever. Only 43% of disabled people feel they have the same opportunity to be active as they want to be, compared to 69% of non-disabled people. Financial insecurity, fear of losing benefits, and physical inaccessibility remain key barriers. Emotional wellbeing is also closely linked to activity: two-thirds of disabled people who experience loneliness believe that being active could help reduce these feelings.
SASP’s range of inclusive programmes is directly responding to these insights by offering varied, supportive and accessible activities that put enjoyment, empowerment, and community at the heart of physical participation.
Here’s what’s on offer across Somerset with our targeted programmes:
Get Active Together is designed for families with disabled and non-disabled children to enjoy inclusive holiday activities together. Sessions, offered during school breaks, include kayaking, paddleboarding, archery, roller skating, and multi-sports. Open to children aged 8–18, with no diagnosis required, these fun, shared experiences help build confidence, connection, and joy. As one parent said after a roller-skating session: “My daughter gave it a go and was empowered to do so, which has helped with confidence in trying other new things.”
Adult Disability Activity Sessions offer weekly, affordable (£3), instructor-led fun for disabled adults. These one-hour drop-in sessions feature games like Boccia, balloon volleyball, archery, and curling. They provide a relaxed, social space for connection and movement. Participants frequently describe the sessions as fun and motivating, with many returning week after week.
Fit for Work is a free 10-week programme supporting disabled adults preparing to enter or return to the workplace. Sessions focus on building stamina, strength, and functional movement, alongside soft skills like teamwork, leadership, and communication. The programme includes outdoor activities where participants step out of their comfort zones and put their progress into action. As one participant shared: “I have improved my speed, stamina and agility. It has helped me prepare for work.”
SASP’s Inclusive School Games create meaningful sporting experiences for children with disabilities or special educational needs across primary and secondary schools. These smaller, welcoming events promote enjoyment over competition, giving all pupils a chance to thrive. Activities include dance, swimming, ten pin bowling, and athletics. The feedback speaks volumes, with one teacher reporting: “This will be a day they will remember for the rest of their life.”
Finally, our universal offer, Move to Include, helps connect children and adults with disabilities to community sports opportunities tailored to their interests. Recognising that anxiety, past experiences, and lack of confidence can prevent access, this programme offers personalised support through a dedicated connector. This role bridges the gap between individuals, families, and clubs, ensuring inclusion is not just a concept, but a lived experience.
For more information on SASP’s offer, please visit www.sasp.co.uk/disability-and-inclusion1 or email enquiries@sasp.co.uk
