Inclusive Sport & Physical Activity

Everyone should have opportunities to move and be active in ways that work for them. We want sport and physical activity across St Helens to be welcoming, accessible and enjoyable, and support people to feel confident taking part. We work with communities, clubs and partner organisations to understand and remove barriers that can make it harder for some people to be active, and to develop more inclusive opportunities across St Helens.

We know that some people and communities can face greater barriers to being active. Sport England's 'Uniting the Movement' highlights that these can particularly affect:

• Women and girls
• People with a disability and living with a long-term health condition
• People from lower socio-economic groups
• Older adults
• People who experience prejudice or discrimination

Barriers can be different for everyone and may include cost, confidence, accessibility, transport, safety, past experiences or simply not finding an opportunity that feels right. By listening to local communities and working with partners, we can create opportunities that better reflect what people want and need.

Find inclusive activities

Explore our Active Lives & Sports Development Timetable for details of sessions delivered by our team, explore ways to Get Active in St Helens, or visit the Every Body Moves website where you can search for inclusive and accessible activities near you. 

Support for clubs and organisations

If you're a sports club, community group or organisation and would like support on how you can make your activities more inclusive, or would like to explore working with us to develop an inclusive programme, contact sportsdevelopment@sthelens.gov.uk or phone 01744 675403.

Inclusive sport and physical activity resources

We Are Undefeatable - supporting people living with long-term health conditions to be more active.

This Girl Can - insight and tools to help understand and reduce the barriers women and girls can face.

Activity Alliance - guidance and training to make sport and physical activity more accessible and inclusive.

Inclusive Activity - Taking a person-centred approach 

Inclusive Communications Guide

Buddle - free tools and training to help community clubs develop.

UK Coaching have a number of useful resources for coaches including:

What is Inclusion? Your Comprehensive Guide to Becoming a More Inclusive Coach

Embracing Diversity: LGBTQ+ Inclusive Coaching

Become an Inclusive Coach to be a Better Coach

Inclusive Facilities: Supporting People with a Visual Impairment

Sporting Equals - resources to help organisations improve inclusion and representation.