Sainsbury's Inclusive Community Training: 'Today's workshop was brilliant!'
Sainsbury’s Inclusive Community Training continues to make an impact across England, as thousands benefit from the low-cost workshop complimented by online resources.
Over 3,750 individuals have taken advantage of the training which is designed to improve the skills and confidence of those who support disabled people to be more active, and is a creative and informal development opportunity.
One group of recent participants were 13 members of the Prince's Trust Team Programme, aged between 16 and 25, who attended a workshop at the Manor Road Sports Centre in Leicester earlier this month.
Organised by the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) and Leicestershire & Rutland Sport, the workshop was delivered by experienced tutor and Paralympian Martin Mansell from project partners sports coach UK.
Participants described the workshop as “hands on; straightaway everyone was thinking about how sports and activities can be difficult for some people, and how sometimes only a simple modification can make all the difference.”
Natasha Adams, a Prince's Trust Team Leader who attended on the day, told EFDS:
“I thought it would be a great way to give my group an experience that would challenge their perceptions.
“The session did not disappoint. My group really enjoyed having a go at making activities more inclusive, and were really inspired by Martin.
“I am hopeful that this training will have left a lasting impression, as a lot of what we learned can be applied to more areas than solely sport. It is about having an awareness of inclusivity in all aspects of life, as well as a willingness to make small changes that make big differences.
“In the short term, my team are now on the lookout for opportunities to pass on some of their new knowledge, and possibly even lead some activity sessions.”
Over the last 18 months, EFDS has been documenting the positive experiences of many who have participated in workshops.
Prince's Trust participant Sam Dixon said of his experience of Sainsbury’s Inclusive Community Training:
“It was brilliant, especially learning how to play boccia [a Paralympic sport] and thinking of different ways to include others no matter what their ability.”
Sainsbury’s Inclusive Community Training is for those who support disabled people of all ages within the community, and have an opportunity to put the training into practice.
For example; carers, support workers, parents, volunteers and community groups and organisations.
Ashleigh Hutchinson, another Prince's Trust attendee on the day, added:
“Today was brilliant. I am about to start working in a leisure centre, and now I would like to speak to my boss about what we learned today.
“I want to be more involved in disability activities at work and see if I can make a difference.”
For further information, please contact EFDS, email AK4A@efds.co.uk or telephone 01509 227751. Find us on Twitter @Eng_Dis_Sport, Facebook and LinkedIn.
