New project breaks barriers to physical activity for disabled residents
A ground breaking partnership is changing how disabled people in Telford get active. Hundreds of local professionals have been trained to help residents with long-term health conditions find ways to move that work for them.
The ‘Get Yourself Active Local’ project tackles a major health gap. Research shows disabled people are twice as likely to be inactive. In Telford and Wrekin, about 20.5% of the population identify as disabled.
Telford & Wrekin Council worked with Disability Rights UK and Energize Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin on the scheme. They have trained 246 professionals so far. This includes social workers, care assistants, and occupational therapists.
Staff now use the ‘Moving Social Work’ programme, developed by Durham University. It helps professionals make physical activity a normal part of daily care assessments.
Councillor Paul Watling, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said: “This project represents a fundamental shift in how we support our residents with disabilities. By training our workforce to have meaningful conversations about movement and activity, we’re ensuring that physical wellbeing becomes a natural part of the support we provide.”
The council has updated its social care assessment system. It now includes specific questions about movement. This ensures everyone receiving support is offered guidance on staying active.
Nearly 800 residents have taken part in a survey about their experiences with sport. The results will be used to improve local services. A steering group, including people with lived experience of disability, is leading the next steps.
Sarah Leadbetter, Project Lead at Disability Rights UK, said: “The collaboration between Telford & Wrekin Council, Shropshire Council, Energize STW and local organisations demonstrates what can be achieved when we work together. This isn’t just about training – it’s about transforming systems and culture to make physical activity accessible and inclusive for everyone.”
Michelle Pullen, from Energize Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, added: “By embedding these conversations into social care practice and working alongside people with lived experience, we’re creating sustainable change that will benefit our communities for years to come.”
The project is now being independently evaluated to measure its long-term impact on the borough.
