Disability sport

Something for everybody

Whatever your particular talents or preferences are, there is likely to be a sport or physical activity which you can take part in in Herefordshire.  There are a number of specialist groups which cater for particular impairments, and clubs which work with older or less active people to ease them into sport and exercise.

Here are some examples:

• 6-week course of yoga for people with learning disabilities (starting 10 January 2012).  See flyer in the box on the right.
• EXTEND provides chair exercises twice a week for carers and the people they care for (£2 per person) at Canal Road Day Centre.  Call Joy Jones on 01432 266881.
• Tag Rugby for people with learning disabilities
• NJs Sports Club, Wednesdays 8-9pm, contact Maggie Percy (ECHO)
• St Martins Bowling Club has 4 special wheelchairs which can be used on the bowling green 
• LIFT exercise referral
• Gentle classes such as Tai Chi
• Specialist classes at Halo facilities (such as "Gentle Mobility" and MS well-being class)
• Walks set up by the Council for disabled/visually impaired people
• "Fit Kit" sessions for people with learning disabilities on Friday mornings (see poster in the box to the right)
• The Hereford United Disability Football Officer is looking for people to join and help run a learning disability football club.  Please contact Will Perkins at disability@herefordunited.co.uk or telephone 07870 669859 or 01432 341065
• Sailing on Bodenham Lake in specially adapted dinghies (http://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/youthservice/22702.asp)
• Herefordshire Council's Learning Disability Team (01432 260320 or scolley@herefordshire.gov.uk) currently provide the following activities for adults with a learning disability.  Call or e-mail them for more information:

1. Adapted Gym (see flyer to the right): This is a fun exercise session for adults with learning disabilities. It includes adapted gymnastics, balance and coordination, all on a cushioned floor
2. Hydrotherapy or Halliwick Swimming
3. Extend: Gentle recreational movement to music, held at the Ryefields Centre, Ross on Wye, Monday 3-4pm, cost £4 (no charge for carers)
4. Rebound Therapy/Trampoline, held at Hereford Leisure Centre, Wednesday 12.30-2.30pm, £43 (10 week course)

Where to get more information

If you would like someone to help you as an individual find the club or activity that's right for you, contact the Disability Sports Development Officer on 01432 261864 or e-mail lcross@herefordshire.gov.uk.  People can take part in sport or active recreation either as a participant or in a volunteering/officiating role.

To find a sports club in Herefordshire, visit http://www.herefordshiresport.co.uk. 

Halo Leisure has 9 centres in Herefordshire, and offers a range of sports and exercise classes.  They have a concessionary pricing structure for disabled people.  Carers of disabled people (who cannot swim independently) are not required to pay an admission fee at Halo swimming pools when accompanying a disabled person.  Visit their website at http://www.haloleisure.co.uk.

Echo For Extra Choices In Herefordshire offers a range of activities, many of which are particularly suitable for people with learning disabilities.  Call them on 01568 620307 or visit http://www.echoherefordshire.btik.com.

The Affinity Trust runs hockey and tag rugby sessions for people with learning disabilities.  Visit their website at http://affinitytrust.org/what-we-do/our-projects/tag-rugby-inclusion-project.

If you have any information about sporting or exercise opportunities for disabled people in Herefordshire, please contact the Corporate Diversity Team on 01432 260216 or diversity@herefordshire.gov.uk.