DSActive have been a CIMSPA Skills Development partner for the past six months. CIMSPA is the professional development body for the UK’s sport and physical activity sector and provides leadership, support and empowerment for professionals working in sport and physical activity and a single unified voice for the sector.
Last summer, DSActive ran a research project to understand physical activity levels for people with Down’s syndrome. Our research shows that 54% of people with Down’s syndrome use their local leisure centre less than 5 times a year, and a lot of this is to do with the accessibility of the centre and the lack of knowledge of the condition amongst the staff.
The aims of the Leisure and Fitness training workshop are:
- to give the staff an understanding of Down’s syndrome and possible health conditions
- to bust myths and provide facts and correct terminology
- share our research and case studies
- discuss barriers, improvements and take suggestions
Image by Spelthorne Everyone Active Team
The DSActive team have run these workshops across 23 London leisure centres. The health and fitness professionals who have attended have been the following: receptionists, duty manager, personal trainers, membership managers, marketing team, sports coaches and human resources.
Personal Trainer at King’s Hall Leisure Centre said:
“The workshop was very informative. I feel that I have better awareness of what Down’s syndrome is and what terminology to use. I would recommend the workshop to people.”
DSActive Sports Officer said:
“I want to see more people with Down’s syndrome becoming active or staying active. Leisure centres should be providing local physical services to the local community. Many leisure centres can provide lots of different types of activities for people with Down’s syndrome such as fitness classes, swimming, gym, specific individual or team sports etc. But our research suggests that 54% of people with Down’s syndrome use their local leisure centre less than 5 times a year. This rate is too low and is below the national average of active levels. The aim of the training would be to upskill the workforce on the conditions with a positive outcome.”
If you have any questions or queries, please feel free to contact the DSActive Team via email or via telephone 0333 12 12 300.
