National Charity Activity Alliance has warned that the rising cost of living and its wider impact are having a negative effect on disabled people’s activity and wellbeing. Today, the leading voice for disabled people in sports and activity releases the report from their latest Annual Disability and Activity Survey.
With almost 2,000 disabled and non-disabled adults aged 16+ taking part, the survey indicates that financial barriers are impacting disabled people’s activity levels. Four in ten (37%) of disabled people say the cost-of-living crisis has affected how active they are, versus three in ten (32%) of non-disabled people.
The findings report that memberships and concessions and having more disposable income would have the most impact on disabled and non-disabled people. Disabled people are more likely to want to spend more on physical activity than non-disabled people, but many reported a fear that being more active will result in their benefits or financial assistance being removed. For those on benefits, almost a third of disabled people fear that being more active will result in their benefits or financial assistance being removed (37%).
The responses also show that disabled people’s mental health and wellbeing are being disproportionately affected. Disabled people were nearly three times more likely than non-disabled people to feel lonely always or often (23% vs. 8%). What is more, there are worrying signs of an increase in loneliness for disabled people over the last four years compared to decreasing levels of loneliness for non-disabled people. Since the start of the pandemic, disabled people have been more likely to feel isolated (54% vs. 30%). Yet nearly two-thirds of disabled people who felt lonely agreed that being active could help them feel less lonely (65%).
As well as outlining what the sport and activity sector can do to improve these barriers, respondents were asked what the government should focus on. Nearly two-thirds of disabled people (64%) said the government should focus on making activities affordable to help more people to be active.
Key findings include:
There is a clear spending gap for what disabled people are spending and want to spend on physical activity. Disabled people reported spending an average of £13.40 less than non-disabled people on being active each month. Disabled people want to spend more than non-disabled people on being active (34% vs. 27%), whereas non-disabled people were more likely to want to spend less (27% vs 19%).
Adam Blaze, Chief Executive at Activity Alliance, commented on the latest report:
“Our annual survey makes clear that disabled people’s access to physical activity has been disproportionately exacerbated by current economic and social challenges, with an urgent need to prioritise inclusive opportunities for all. The findings show negative trends and stark differences between disabled and non-disabled people, despite clear and renewed enthusiasm from disabled people about becoming more active and investing more in their physical and mental wellbeing.
“We continue to listen to disabled people’s experiences and believe this is the only way to see meaningful change. Without ensuring disabled people are part of this decision-making, it will not be possible to achieve our goal of a healthier, happier, and more active nation. We urge leaders and organisations to read the report and see what immediate changes they can make with a plan to achieve long-term goals.
“We understand decision makers and providers are also facing economic challenges, but we must ensure that disabled people are never excluded from access to sport and physical activity. Our annual survey provides clear evidence that we need to address concerns in a number of areas to improve opportunities and experiences for disabled people. Activity Alliance and our partners can help organisations to improve and embed the necessary inclusive practices that will make a significant and positive difference.”
Tim Hollingsworth, Sport England Chief Executive and Government Disability Access Advisor for Sport and Physical Activity, said:
“This year’s report highlights how the cost of living is being felt acutely by disabled people. The findings are a stark reminder that further and sustained action is needed to tackle the barriers faced by many disabled people when playing sport and getting active and that remains a major element of our strategy and investment at Sport England.
“While mindful of the financial pressures on organisations in the sector, we would urge all to recognise the report’s findings as part of their work to ensure their offer is affordable and accessible for disabled people.”
The report outlines the charity’s commitments and asks for the sport and activity sector. They are split into seven themes.
The full report is available to view at www.activityalliance.org.uk/annual-survey
Photo credit: British Blind Sport
As an Active Partnership, Living Sport collaborates with local networks and partners to support the delivery of physical activity, sport, and recreation for people with disabilities and long-term health conditions.
Over the past year, in partnership with County representatives and individuals with experience in developing physical activity for the disability community, we have continued to lead the creation of a Disability Active Lifestyle Framework for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
Disability and inclusion work continues to be a priority for us across everything we do. We hope this framework will support and improve physical activity across the county to become more equitable and inclusive.
An example of our support has been through the Together Fund where we have been able to offer funding to groups and organisations, towards the delivery of activity within their local community. We have been able to fund activity to a total amount of £132,000 over the past 3 years, which has supported 47 groups to be able to deliver their activities.
For some case studies and to read more about our work supporting local partners, groups, and individuals, please click HERE
Decathlon Cambridge and Living Sport announce new partnership We are delighted to announce a new partnership approach between Decathlon Cambridge and Living Sport. Our shared partnership mission is to make
Programme Delivery Officer (Community Engagement and Physical Activity Specialist) Living Sport’s aim across Cambridgeshire & Peterborough is “To improve health, happiness and wellbeing by supporting people to be active”. We
Trustee Vacancy Being a Trustee of Living Sport is not merely a title; it’s an opportunity to beat the forefront of making decisions that directly impact Cambridgeshireand Peterborough. The Board
Our aim is to improve health, happiness and wellbeing by supporting people to be active, in a meaningful way through programmes, events and influencing policy. Your donations are hugely appreciated and help make this possible.
