Northdale Horticulture Society is using the £1875 from Hambleton District Council’s Small Grant Scheme, to help two members of staff take small groups on guided walks in the local area before returning to the centre and finishing off with a gentle exercise session such as Tia Chi.
It is hoped the walking and exercise activities will help introduce these vulnerable adults to a range of physical activities which they will be able to use in their personal lives and which will also help support weight management.
“Statistics show there is a higher prevalence of obesity amongst people with learning disabilities,” said Simon Cross, Manager, Northdale Horticulture Society.
“And as they also have limited opportunities to access exercise classes we hope that this program will give participants an appreciation of the outdoors and gentle exercise activities as fun things to do and not something that has to be done just to help weight control. It will also give them the chance to socialise in a more friendly environment.”
- North Yorkshire Advocacy a charitable organisation that helps vulnerable people to have a voice also benefited from £2140 from the grant scheme to provide them with the finances to pay for British Sign Language training for advocates – this will enable for the first time the deaf community in Hambleton to have a voice and a say in the services and opportunities that are available to them. This could have a significant impact upon their lives, their health, inclusion and access to services.