What is Fitmums & Friends’ Walking Programme for people with a Learning Disability?

Opportunities to engage in physical activity can be limited for the Learning Disability community. This means that more than 40% of adults with learning disabilities are classed as inactive*; and in turn, that people with a learning disability have a lower life expectancy than the general population.

To address that, Fitmums & Friends is introducing a walking programme specifically for people with a learning disability, with the aim of creating active opportunities for the Learning Disability community (aged 16+).

The free programme comprises 12 weekly, supported and guided walking sessions. Participants will also be encouraged to take part in local parkruns (walks) to give them the opportunity to continue walking each week and to help them become part of a local, active community.

[*Source: Sport England Active Lives adult surveys]

Who are the walks for?

The walks are open to people aged 16+ years with learning disabilities and their carers.

What will participants get out of it?

The programme offers friendly and supportive walking sessions where participants can be active and enjoy the company of others. Participants will feel the health and well-being benefits of being active outdoors with others.

Participants will also be supported to connect with their local parkrun so that they can continue their active journey after the programme ends and build social connections within their community.

What happens at a walk session?

On arrival, our friendly leaders welcome all participants to the walk. All our leaders are fully-trained and experienced in leading walks. Before setting off, they check that everyone is ready and prepared for the walk. During the walk, they use our support systems to ensure that everyone is comfortable, that the group stays together, and that no one is left behind. (Please note that our leaders are not able to physically support individuals.)

The sessions last for an hour. Initially, we aim to walk one mile with the option of extending this each week, depending on the group.

The walks follow mapped routes; these include crossing roads and potentially uneven surfaces.

Refreshments are available at the end of the walks.

Toilets are available at the beginning and end of the walks.

When and where are the walks?

The walks take place in two locations:

In Beverley at Morton House (Morton Lane, Beverley HU17 9DD), meeting at 10.15am on Wednesdays, from Wednesday 20 November

In East Hull at Holderness House (114 Laburnum Avenue, Garden Village, Hull, HU8 8PA), meeting at 10.15am on Thursdays, from Thursday 21 November

Parking is available at both locations.

How much does it cost?

This programme is free to participants, thanks to funding from the NHS.

How can I take part?

To sign up, please complete this form.