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Disability and Long Term Health Conditions

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People

Active Humber is dedicated to helping people with disabilities or long-term health conditions get active in a way that suits them.

Unfortunately, disabled people are much less likely to be active. Only 4 in 10 feel they have enough opportunities to take part in physical activities (Source: Activity Alliance 2024).

We work across the Humber region (Hull, East Riding, North Lincolnshire, and North East Lincolnshire) to support clubs, groups, and organisations. Our goal is to help them feel confident in including people with disabilities and offer welcoming and accessible activities.

Our Focus

We work with local and regional partners to:

  • Understand what disabled people want when it comes to physical activity.
  • Identify and remove barriers that make it harder for them to be active.
  • Promote positive messaging around inclusion and highlight best practices.
  • Use research and insights to create suitable activity programs.
  • Secure funding to increase opportunities for disabled people in the Humber region.

Partnership with Activity Alliance

One of our key partners is Activity Alliance, the national organisation and leading voice for disabled people in sport and physical activity. Hear more about our work with Activity Alliance from Paul Downes (Regional Strategic Advisor for Yorkshire and the Humber) 

Working with Activity Alliance

Activity Alliance is a national organisation that supports disabled people in sports and physical activity. Their 2024 Disability and Activity Survey highlights key challenges:

  • Only 43% of disabled people feel they have the opportunity to be active compared to 69% of non-disabled people. Disabled women feel this gap more than men.
  • Disabled people are less than half as likely to see role models like themselves in sports.
  • Many prefer outdoor spaces for activity, but less than half find them easy to access (compared to 78% of non-disabled people).
  • Only 9% of disabled people feel they have the opportunity to become a coach or sports leader (compared to 24% of non-disabled people).

For the full report, visit: Activity Alliance Annual Survey.

Case Study: Keep Moving

"Keep Moving" is an exercise program for people with lower limb impairments. It’s held at the Allam Sports Centre at the University of Hull and is the only supervised group program in the Humber region for people with lower limb amputations.

Thanks to funding from Active Humber, this program has:

  • Helped participants improve strength, balance, and confidence.
  • Reduced the risk of falls.
  • Created a supportive community where participants can connect.

Participant feedback:

"This program has improved my life immeasurably. The exercises challenge us as we get stronger, and we support each other. It’s fun, and we even share tips on dealing with disability-related challenges."

"I was struggling physically and mentally after my amputation. Keep Moving changed everything for me. Tony, our instructor, encourages us, and we’ve built a great community. It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come."

Watch our video showcasing Keep Moving below:


Community Ambassadors

Active Humber runs a Community Ambassador program, ensuring people with disabilities are represented. Over 50% of our ambassadors have a disability or long-term health condition or work with people who do.

Learn more: Community Ambassador Programme.

Here’s Active Humber Community Ambassador and Special Olympics GB athlete Adam Loubani to tell you a bit more about his own journey:


Motor Activity Training Programme (MATP)

MATP is a Special Olympics program designed for people with profound learning disabilities or complex needs. It provides training, competition, and a chance to develop motor skills.

We work with Sportsability to deliver MATP in Humber schools. Schools interested in joining can contact:

Get in Touch

If you want to learn more or get involved in making physical activity accessible, contact:

Ian Spencer (Development Manager – Disabilities & Long Term Health Conditions)

Tel: 07860954338

Email: ispencer@activehumber.co.uk