Activity Alliance and Sport for Confidence launch Include to Improve
Activity Alliance and Sport for Confidence are proud to launch Include to Improve – a two-year programme to create more opportunities for disabled people to take part, volunteer and work in sports and activities. Funded by Sport England’s recover and reinvent fund, the programme 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.
We know that disabled people face significant challenges in participating, volunteering, and working in sport and physical activity for many reasons including financial, physical, psychological and structural barriers.
In 2023, the employment rate of disabled people was 53% compared to 82% of non-disabled people, and this gap has stopped narrowing over the last five years (Employment of disabled people 2023, Department of Work and Pensions, GOV.UK 2023). Our insight also suggests that disabled people often feel over-looked and under-represented in many areas, with disabled people less than half as likely to ‘see people like them’ working in sports and physical activity roles (Activity Allinance Annual Disability Activity Survey, 2022-23).
The Include to Improve programme aims to change this by working collaboratively with disabled people and a network of strategic partners.
A new Lived Experience Network will provide have a safe space for disabled people to share their views of taking part and working in the sport and physical activity sector. We want to hear from disabled people from diverse backgrounds with different views and experiences. We also welcome families, carers and supporters of individuals who are not able to share their own views. Their knowledge will help shape programme delivery and provide valuable insight to a new Strategic Partner Network and the wider sector.
The Strategic Partner Network will bring together many organisations from different sectors including national disability sports partners, the voluntary and community sector, leisure and health. All united by the Include to Improve aim and their own desire to strengthen their commitment to inclusion. Activity Alliance and Sport for Confidence will support 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.
Jannine Walker, Head of Events and Programmes at Activity Alliance, said:
“We’re delighted to team up with Sport for Confidence to deliver this innovative new programme with support from Sport England. Empowered by people’s lived experiences, Include to Improve aims to maximise our collective knowledge, insight and impact to reduce inequalities for disabled people.
“We’re excited to connect and collaborate with a community of people and organisations who share the same vision. Together, our Lived Experience Network members and strategic partners will share good practice, identify gaps in delivery and develop creative solutions to increase the number of high-quality accessible opportunities for disabled people to take part, volunteer and work in sports and activities.
“If you’re interested in being part of our Lived Experience Network or Strategic Partner Network, please contact the Include to Improve team. We look forward to working with you.”
How to get involved with the programme
There are lots of ways for individuals and organisations to get involved with the Include to Improve programme. You can choose the level of involvement that works for you or your organisation. We are currently receiving expressions of interest from individuals and organisations.
If you are interested in joining our Lived Experience Network or Strategic Partner Network, please contact us.
Send us an email to includetoimprove@activityalliance.org.uk, or call 0808 175 6991 and our team will provide you with more information and sign-up details.
Workforce webinar: find out more about Include to Improve
On Monday 24 March 2025 at 11am Activity Alliance is hosting a free online webinar about disabled people’s representation in the sport and physical activity workforce. During the event, we will introduce and talk more about the new Include to Improve programme and how individuals and organisations can get involved.
Sign up for our workforce webinar via EventBrite to find out more about the programme.
