Young people across Manchester to continue to get access to inclusive sport and physical activity for another two years

In the next two years, Access Sport and Nuffield Health will:

• Support 10,000 disabled and disadvantaged young people to access the transformational benefits of community sport
• Upskill 800 coaches, volunteers and young leaders so they can confidently work with disabled and disadvantaged young people in the local area
• Support 20 community sport clubs to run inclusive sessions, so all children, including those with disabilities, can take part.

Many young people in Greater Manchester, particularly those from disadvantaged communities or living with a disability, are missing out on the benefits of sport and physical activity. With only 40%[ⁱ] of young people in the region achieving the Chief Medical Officers’ target of 60 mins physical activity per day, local communities need ongoing support.

By combining Access Sport’s award-winning community sport development model with Nuffield Health’s world-class facilities and expert team, the partnership was established to give young people in Greater Manchester the tools to live a healthier life.

Since the partnership started in March 2022, it has:

• Positively impacted more than 15,000 disabled and disadvantaged young people’s lives
• Provided on-the-ground support for 26 community sport clubs
• Generated £4.5 Million in Social Value in the local community

Sean Reid, Stretford Victoria Football Club Founder, said:

“The support we have received from Access Sport and Nuffield Health has been pivotal to our incredible growth this last year. Their help has allowed us to restart our mini-soccer programme for under 7s and created a new pathway for girls within the club. We are now closer to offering inclusive football provision for all the children in our community.”

Whether it’s through their hands-on community club development, their inclusive BMX sessions or the Young Leaders programme, Access Sport is committed to working with Nuffield Health to expand the impact of the work in Greater Manchester. Together they want to ensure that no young person misses out on the life-changing benefits of community sport. 

Helen Rowbotham, CEO of Access Sport, said:

“Our ongoing partnership with Nuffield Health is a brilliant example of effective partnership working. By supporting each other, we have been able to reach over 15,000 disadvantaged young people in Greater Manchester, helping them to access the transformational benefits of sport and change their lives for the better. Thank you, Nuffield Health, for your support over the last two years to help make inclusion the norm!”

Dr Davina Deniszczyc, Medical and Charity Director, Nuffield Health, commented:

“Over the last two years our partnership with Access Sport has had a huge impact on many young people living in Greater Manchester, providing access to inclusive sport and physical activity, and all the health and social benefits that come with it. And yet, with many young people in the area not reaching national guidance for daily physical activity, there is an ongoing need to provide support and access to facilities.

“This is why we're proud to continue our work with Access Sport for the next two years, empowering and supporting local communities across Manchester to live happier, healthier lives."

You can see a full recap of this below.

For more information, please click the link below.

Changing Places – Manchester >

About Access Sport 

Access Sport is a national charity with a vision that no one should be excluded from the transformational benefits of community sport. Their mission is to make inclusion the norm by tackling the access barriers faced by disadvantaged and disabled young people. They do this by training, equipping, and supporting community sports clubs, organisations, and volunteers to provide inclusive programmes, unleashing their potential to transform the lives of underserved young people in their local communities. To find out more, visit: www.AccessSport.org.uk  

About Nuffield Health

Driven by our purpose to build a healthier nation, our experts have been working together for more than 65 years to make the nation fitter, healthier, happier and stronger.

Nuffield Health provides health and wellbeing for every part of you. We believe that the best healthcare should help prevent illness by looking after mind and body. That’s why our connected health and wellbeing offering spans physical and mental health – from providing mental health support or hospital care and treatment to personal training, health assessments, GP services and physiotherapy.

We work together as a team to help you achieve your health and wellbeing ambitions, championing free health and wellbeing programmes in local communities by giving more people the tools they need to live a healthy life. These programmes help people understand and improve their own health, from those living with joint pain, to helping rehabilitate people experiencing the long-term effects from COVID-19.

Find out more about us and our pioneering models of care: https://www.nuffieldhealth.com or follow us on Twitter,  Facebook,  Instagram and LinkedIn 

References:

[¹] 40% of children in Manchester meet CMO guidelines
https://www.gmmoving.co.uk/data-and-learning/manchester-children-young-people-activity-levels-201920

Last updated Monday 8 July 2024

First published on Monday 8 July 2024