Include to Improve
Include to Improve is a two-year programme led by Activity Alliance and Sport for Confidence, funded by Sport England. The programme aims to create more opportunities for disabled people to take part, volunteer and work in sports and activities.
We know disabled people often feel over-looked and under-presented in many areas, including in the sport and physical activity sector. In fact, disabled people are less than half as likely to 'see people like them' working in sports and physical activity roles (ADAS annual survey 2022-23).
This can be for many reasons including a lack of suitable opportunities, inaccessible recruitment and employment practices, and financial, physical, physchological and structural barriers. Barriers which in recent years have been made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic and cost-of-living crisis.
What is Include to Improve?
Include to Improve is a programme that aims to increase the number of high-quality accessible opportunities for disabled people to take part, volunteer and work in the sport and physical activity sector. It looks to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and cost-of-living crisis on disabled people's engagement with sports and activities at all levels.
How to get involved with the programme?
We have set up two programme networks for disabled people and organisations and we are working collaboratively with these groups to improve existing services and shape new inclusive solutions across the sector.
Lived Experience Network for disabled people
Our Lived Experience Network provides a safe space for disabled people to share their views of taking part, volunteering and working in the sport and physical activity sector. Through the network, we listen and learn from these experiences and then work together to influence change and shape programme activities.
We want to hear from disabled people from diverse backgrounds with different views and experiences. You can join the Lived Experience Network if:
- You are a disabled person (or consider yourself to be disabled) aged 18 and over.
- Have a long-term physical or mental health condition or impairment.
- Are neurodivergent.
- Are a family member or carer of a disabled person, who may need support to share their views and experiences.
Join the Include to Improve Lived Experience Network - this link takes you to a short online survey to complete as part of the sign up process.
Strategic Partner Network for organisations
Our Strategic Partner Network is a collaborative group for organisations wanting to strengthen their commitment to disabled people's inclusion. It is an opportunity for organisations to influence and create meaningful change. As part of the network, strategic partners will connect regularly with our Lived Experience Network members and Include to Improve team to inform the programme's approach.
Activity Alliance and Sport for Confidence will support network partners to create sustainable, inclusive solutions that empower and engage disabled people. Funding support will be available for some partners looking to improve their existing services or to turn new ideas into real opportunities.
Join the Include to Improve Strategic Partner Network - this link takes you to a short online survey to complete as part of the sign up process.
Contact us
If you would like to find out more about Include to Improve or would like more information the two programme networks, please contact the Include to Improve team. Email includetoimprove@activityalliance.org.uk, or call 0808 175 6991 and our team will be happy to help.
