Disabled residents in Hillingdon to benefit from new sporting initiative

A charity has received over £90,000 to boost sporting facilities for disabled people in Hillingdon, it has been announced.

The City of London Corporation’s charity and the City Bridge Trust awarded the funds to Disablement Association Hillingdon (DASH) as part of a bid to boost participation in sporting and leisure activities among young, disabled people in the area.

It will allow the charity to enhance its offer by increasing the number of current sports and activity sessions including football, golf, boccia, line dancing and multi-sports.

Funding will also go towards training existing disabled participants as activity leaders.

Robert Burton, deputy chief officer of DASH, said that the grant can give more disabled people in the area the opportunity to get active.

He said: "Using the money, we plan to increase provision for weekend and evening activity sessions as well as signpost people with disabilities to appropriate college and adult learning courses, supporting them in finding a relevant work placement.
"Another one of our main objectives is to train existing participants so that they can assist the project leaders, run our sessions and act as role models for others, encouraging them to live fitter, healthier, and ultimately more independent lives."

However, the charity does not just offer sporting opportunities to young disabled people. It also provides young people employability training, detailed benefit advice and work experience placements.

In addition, for those who want to take their sporting skills to the next level, the charity will help young, disabled people in Hillingdon to take it further.

DASH also helps those living in Hounslow, Harrow and Ealing.

Commenting on the new developments, Jeremy Mayhew, chairman of the City Bridge Trust, said: “It is vital that disabled people from all backgrounds are given the chance to participate fully in society. Using sport and recreational activities as an engagement tool can boost social inclusion as well as improve health and well-being among disabled residents."

Published 17th June, 2014

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