Simplyhealth supports innovative nutrition programme for people with Down’s syndrome

Simplyhealth has awarded a further grant to DSActive for a nutrition programme which will make an impact on the lives of children and adults with Down’s syndrome involved in the sports programme and beyond.

DSActive is run by the national charity, the Down’s Syndrome Association (DSA) which aims to help people with Down’s syndrome live full and rewarding lives. The unique sports programme gives children and adults with Down’s syndrome a tailor-made opportunity to get involved in sport, with an emphasis on tennis and football, encouraging a more active lifestyle, improved fitness and confidence.

This generous grant from Simplyhealth will enable the development and implementation of a nutrition based campaign to help educate players and coaches involved in the programme on healthy eating. DSActive will work with a nutritionist to develop up-to-date nutrition advice for people with Down’s syndrome, including a fact sheet for parents and easy to read versions for people with Down’s syndrome. A nutrition based app will also be developed in co-operation with Middlesex University.

Carol Boys, Chief Executive of the DSA says: “DSActive’s nutrition campaign is a significant development for the project. The football and tennis programmes have certainly made a difference to the fitness levels of participants but this grant will allow the team to develop more far reaching healthy living messages and education. Simplyhealth’s support will be pivotal in getting this campaign off the ground.”

This is the second time Simplyhealth have generously supported DSActive. Last year a grant enabled the development of six new DSActive clubs and development of logo books. They also funded the production of the DSA’s Health Book, a significant project which transformed healthcare for people with Down’s syndrome.

Roger Cotton, Head of Corporate Giving at Simplyhealth says: “We’re delighted to build on our earlier support of DSActive. The nutrition campaign compliments the sports programme and Health Book, creating a more holistic approach to the wellbeing development of people with Down’s syndrome and their future independence.”

About Simplyhealth

Since 1872 – long before the existence of the NHS – we’ve been helping people to make the most of life, by managing their everyday health needs. We ensure over 3 million people in the UK have access to health products, services and support they need, when they need them and at a price they can afford.

We’re proud to be the leading provider of health cash plans, dental payment and pet health plans. Whereas once we were known purely for cash plans, we now offer a wide range of products and services to cater for peoples’ everyday health needs – now and into the future.

Helping people make the most of life is our sole purpose and giving back is a huge part of that. In 2015 we were able to donate £1.6 million to charitable causes, touching the lives of nearly 825,000 people across the UK. Our future success and performance will enable us to deliver our ongoing pledge to donate 10% of our profits to charity each year.

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