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EFDS and CSPN help to build links between sport and disability networks

A new guide to link local sport provision with the wider disability networks has been released today. The English Federation of Disability Sport has produced the Engagement Guide in partnership to support County Sports Partnerships and other local sports providers, so they can build relationships in the disability sector and get more disabled people active together.

The English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) created the guide in partnership with County Sports Partnership Network (CSPN). Supported by Sport England, the partners want County Sports Partnerships (CSPs) to strengthen their local engagement with disabled people and boost grassroots opportunities, which in turn increases participation. The guide enables organisations to improve their reach as well as provide examples of successful good practice.

Sport England’s recent Active People Survey showed four out of five disabled people are not active, but in EFDS’s recent lifestyle report on disabled people’s participation seven in ten want to increase the amount of physical activity they take part in. This highlights a latent demand for more opportunities and ways to enjoy being active.

The same lifestyle report determined that disabled people are looking for more opportunities in their area. Six in ten of those surveyed claimed that either a lack of awareness of opportunities or a lack of available opportunities is what prevents them from taking part in sport and physical activity.

Advice provided in the guide emphasises that successful engagement is not a simple process. To be effective, it needs to involve a range of people, especially disabled people themselves. This ensures local provision is evidence-based and targets the right participants, in the right way. With this support, CSPs can form new relationships and build on their existing networks. Hopefully this will lead to more innovative ideas, providing opportunities in sport and physical activities as well as promoting them to new markets.

Although the guide has been developed for CSPs as the primary audience, it has many benefits for other local providers.

Barry Horne, Chief Executive of EFDS said:

“We are very proud of the engagement guide. The reality is that the majority of disabled people like non-disabled people access sport at a local level and whilst some go on to become elite athletes most maintain their activity through local opportunities. If given the right support, connections and insight, local providers can certainly improve and increase opportunities for disabled people. This extra support means more disabled people have a wider choice to enjoy sport and stay active for life”.

Sport England’s Director of Insight Lisa O’Keefe said:

“Nearly 18 months on from the Paralympic Games more disabled people than ever are taking part in sport. However more needs to be done to encourage and inspire participation at the grassroots level. This guide will offer invaluable support to County Sports Partnerships, helping them improve their reach and get more disabled people active.”

Jean Lordon, Executive Director of Tees Valley Sport, on behalf of CSPN said:

“The publication provides CSPs with an excellent guide to existing and new funding, as well as the delivery networks. These will be influential in supporting more disabled people to participate in sport and physical activity. We know that, when consulted, 70% of disabled people say that they want to increase the amount of activity they do. By working together the disability, health and social care, in addition to the sport sectors can create innovative and effective opportunities to meet this demand.

For further information please contact:

Sarah Marl, Marketing and Communications Manager. Email Sarah or call her mobile: 07764 291671

The English Federation of Disability Sport’s telephone number is 01509 225570

EFDS’s Engagement Officers are responsible for different areas across England. They are:

Mark Fosbrook (Midlands and South West)

Tom Webster (North)

Jon Whittingham (South East and East)

County Sports Partnerships Network (CSPN)

County Sports Partnerships (CSPs) are networks of local agencies committed to working together to increase participation in sport and physical activity. They are led by a strategic board supported by a central team of professional staff who provide leadership, co-ordination and structures which allow people and organisations to work more effectively together at a sub-regional level. There is a network of 49 County Sport Partnerships across England. www.cspnetwork.org