Me, being active - Richard's story
Richard lives in Essex, and is a fifth Dan Black Belt in Karate. He says karate gives purpose, routine and structure to his daily life. Seeing and feeling the benefits of being active in his own life has encouraged him to speak out and support others.
Activity Alliance recognised Sunday 3 December 2017 as International Day for Disabled People with the release of a new collection of Me, Being Active films. Two years since the first collection, viewers meet seven disabled people and learn more about the benefits they gain from being active. The national charity hopes the new films provide disabled people with useful information to lead an active lifestyle.
Richard told Activity Alliance:
I didn't feel comfortable talking to people about my medical condition, because I was embarrassed about it.
Karate is about continuous improvement. So you go at your own pace.
I worked on a lot of basics (Kihon) to build my stamina up. Regained my confidence to be able to teach a whole class.
There shouldn't be a stigma about mental health, or people to think bad about you because you've suffered mental health issues.
The Me, Being Active films are supported by Disability Rights UK and funded by Sport England. They follow the successful Being Active Guide released in 2014, which talks directly to disabled people. It gives those, who are inactive, access to relevant information, so they can have control over where, what and how they start being active. The new collection of films add to the Guide's success, allowing viewers to hear other disabled people's advice.
Activity Alliance worked again with production company Fuzzy Duck to capture the stories of seven disabled people with a range of impairments and long-term health conditions, who all lead active lives. In their own words, each individual shares their personal story about how they first became active and the way it makes them feel.
The new collection of Me, Being Active films are available on Activity Alliance YouTube channel. To watch Anoushé, Evie, Richard, Sam, Shona, Tesfai and Zack's stories, visit the Me, Being Active playlist here.
The Being Active guide is available to download in accessible PDF and Easy Read format. For more information on being active, contact Activity Alliance by email info@activityalliance.org.uk or call 01509 227750.
To find out more about karate, visit the Karate Union of Great Britain website. Contact Mind charity for support on mental health issues.
Activity Alliance is the operating name for the English Federation of Disability Sport. This film, first published in 2017, was updated in line with our new brand in March 2019.
