People with disabilities in Solihull have lots of inclusive activities to get involved with, which are promoted via the Solihull Gets Active programme. If you can’t find the information that you’re looking for, please call us on 0121 704 8207 or e-mail [email protected]
This page contains information on: Local Inclusive Opportunities, Sensory Walks, Events, Useful Websites, Feedback, Parent, Carer & Professional Resources
Inclusive Sport and Physical Activity Opportunities
Explore the range of inclusive activities and local providers, via the Solihull Gets Active Programme. We have produced this booklet to help you find information on how to participate in inclusive activities in the local area. Activities include gym, swim, group exercise, sports and local clubs.
Sensory Walks
Sensory walks allow you to use your senses to connect with your surroundings whilst you stay active.
Sense Active have partnered with Great Britain’s national mapping agency, Ordnance Survey. Sensory Walks are easily discoverable via their OS Maps App, as part of their Sport England funded project ‘Sense, Active Together’.
Find a Sensory Walk near you:
- Download Babbs Mill Nature Reserve Route or view on the OS Digital Map
- Download Elmdon Nature Reserve Route or view OS Digital Map
- Download Lavender Hall Park Route or view OS Digital Map
- Download Shirley Park Route or view OS Digital Map
- Download Hillfield Park Route or view OS Digital Map
Sensory Walk Resources:
Create your own sensory walks with these helpful resources from Sense Active.
Inclusive Orienteering
British Orienteering have collaborated with our local orienteering club Octavian Droobers to create exciting bespoke inclusive activities in two Solihull parks to help get people exploring their surroundings.
Both courses have a short accessible route available, please follow course 1. To access the courses on your phone please download Map Run on Apple devices or Android devices. Alternatively please click the links below to access a copy of the map that can be printed.
Babbs Mill Park Short Accessible Course 2.8km follow markers 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,14,15,16: Download Babbs Mill Map
Elmdon Park Online Short Accessible Course 1.4km follow markers 10,11,12,13,16,15: Download Elmdon Park Map
Useful Websites
Local Organisations
Tudor Grange Leisure Centre has everything you could possibly need to enjoy getting active.
North Solihull Sports Centre – With a huge variety of facilities to enjoy, this is a fantastic place to get active and enjoy yourself.
Solihull Wheels for All provides inclusive cycling for everyone.
Fundamental Movement Academy provides access to niche sports such as Free Running, Gymnastics and Trampolining.
Inclusive Sports Academy – ISA provide a range of disability sports activities throughout Solihull.
Solihull Moors – Inclusion and Inclusivity are the key. Moors work tirelessly to ensure everybody is looked after and that every individual is made to feel valued by the club.
Warwickshire Bears Wheelchair Basketball provides access to wheelchair basketball for various age groups.
Solihull Seals – Solihull Swimming Club for the Disabled at Tudor Grange Leisure Centre.
SoLO (Solihull Life Opportunities) – SoLO help people with learning disabilities to look afresh at their true potential, to learn new skills, become more independent.
Solihull Self Advocacy Group – An independent charity providing advocacy services, helping people develop self-advocacy skills and support peer advocates in campaigning for change.
Solihull Parent Carer Voice – Independent parent carers working together to raise awareness and improve outcomes for all children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND 0-25).
Our Voices Heard Solihull – Your views can help make local changes.
Regional & National Organisations
Activity Alliance – The national charity and leading voice for disabled people in sport and activity.
British Blind Sport – Helping blind and partially sighted people to get active and play sport.
BBC Disability Sport – Get inspired and stay up to date with the latest news from disability sport.
CP Sport – The national disability sports organisation supporting people with cerebral palsy.
Disability Inclusion Hub – This Buddle tool lets you explore how accessible your organisation is for disabled people.
Midland Mencap – A charity which works and campaigns for accessible and inclusive services and a better quality of life for everyone.
Sense – A charity for people with complex disabilities, who believe everyone should be able to take part in life, no matter their disability.
UK Chief Medical Officers Physical Activity Guidelines – The report contains guidance for health professionals, policymakers and others working to promote physical activity, sport and exercise for health benefits.
Annual Event
The games will be back the week commencing Monday 19th August 2024 .Check back for details.
The 2023 ‘Include Me Games’ took place across both North Solihull Sports Centre and Tudor Grange Leisure Centre. External providers also took part to help make the week long event a success. The free activities included Archery, Gym Access, Basketball, Swimming and much more!
The event lasts a whole week, offering people with disabilities the chance to experience a range of activities free of charge. The Games are a great way for people to get together, experience new sports and most importantly, have fun!
Your Feedback
An accessible and inclusive sport and physical activity session sometimes requires a few physical adjustments to make it a good first experience for participants.
We want to hear about your first hand experiences of sport and physical activity sessions!
You can either complete the online First Hand Experience Questionnaire
or request an alternative version to be sent out to you by contacting [email protected] or 0121 704 8207.
Parents, Carers and Health Professionals
Resources
Get Yourself Active: Social Care Activity Pack: The pack is designed for carers, support workers, and personal assistants but can also be used by friends and family members who are supporting disabled people and people with long term health conditions.
Activity Alliance Activity Cards: Do you run a local community, sport or activity group? Do you need advice on how to create accessible opportunities for disabled people in sport and physical activity. The cards provide activities for all ages and abilities, and can support participants to be physically active and to lead a healthy life.
Buddle: Supporting clubs and groups to create welcoming and inclusive environments, connect with your community and diversify your offer.
Access for All: Opening Doors: The resource will take you through the main areas of physical access and signpost you to sources of further information.
Super Movers: Join the super movement and explore all the free inclusive Paralympic sport resources and free equipment available.
Training Opportunities
For further information on how to book onto a course please e-mail [email protected]
Inclusive Activity Programme – The Inclusive Activity Programme (IAP) is a unique, development opportunity which will upskill you, your employees, and volunteers on how to make activities fun and inclusive for everyone. It is ideal for sports coaches, community leaders and healthcare professionals.
Sainsbury’s Inclusive PE Training – Free training workshops and resources for teachers, trainee teachers and school staff. Improve your confidence, knowledge and skills including, challenging and progressing all pupils and embedding inclusive practice in your school.
Delivering an Excellent Service for Disabled Customers – The course can increase workforce confidence and knowledge, especially those who work in leisure and customer-facing roles to engage with and support disabled people
England Football Disability Training for Clubs: Disability Training for Clubs.