Active Together Annual Review 2022/23 Case Study - North West Leicestershire

Our weekly Inclusive Play sessions at Whitwick and Coalville Leisure Centre give children with additional needs, and their siblings, the opportunity to access fun, safe and inclusive ways to be more physically active. Participants have enjoyed sports, yoga, inflatables, climbing, sensory dance and agility courses. Their parents and carers also find support in each other.

Many children have benefitted from Inclusive Play; however one child stands out. A five-year-old who battles selective mutism barely spoke or interacted at the sessions. The coach Neil built up a great relationship with him leading to him speaking – something that surprised his carers. The power of physical activity and having the right person supporting you can be amazing.

The Inclusive Play sessions have also enabled us to support a young coach who
started volunteering at the session that his brother attended to gain experience and qualifications. He now finds himself employed in a coaching role and continues to take the session with Neil.