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The challenge launched in Nuneaton on Tuesday 7 January, and the first session was at the Jubilee Sports Centre. As part of our free usage agreement and Passport to Leisure scheme with Everyone Active, Mencap are able to access the sports centre and gym completely for free.

The innovative programme is aimed at improving activity levels among more than 4,000 people with a learning disability over a four-year period across England.

Tracey Jeffrey, General Manager at Everyone Active said:

“This project is a great building block for Everyone Active at the Jubilee, as a potential open group for people to join. All the service users really enjoyed what they were doing in the gym, and we’re really keen to support the sessions.”

Coventry & Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust are the main group that have driven this project in the Nuneaton area.

Emma Ward, Assistant Practitioner at Coventry & Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust said:

“We feel the Round the World challenge is great for individuals with a learning disability, as this promotes health, fitness, confidence, fun and friendship.”

Jon Stonebridge, Mencap - Round the World Challenge – Central Project Manager said:

“It was great to be involved with the Coventry & Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust launch. Having 23 people attend was amazing. Seeing new people enjoying the range of activities provided really highlights the importance and appetite for the programme moving forwards. We look forward to working together to get more people with a learning disability physically active and gaining from the wider benefits that sport and physical activity provide.” 

The programme is being delivered in 27 participation hubs with each hub working locally in collaboration with the learning disability sector, sports providers and community and voluntary organisations to deliver an accessible range of opportunities.

As well as delivering sport and physical activity in a fun and engaging way, the programme is working on preparing people for their future, through increasing confidence, social interactions and offering volunteering, leadership and employment opportunities

Cllr Ian Lloyd, Portfolio Holder for Arts and Leisure said:

“We are delighted to be supporting the Round the World Challenge that will hopefully provide anyone with a learning disability the support they require to encourage participation in the programme.

“This project will have many benefits such as improving the wellbeing for those involved, whilst also giving them the opportunity to develop transferable skills.

“Mencap are the leading voice for individuals with a learning disability, and we look forward to supporting them on similar projects in the future.”

For more information on the programme click on the link - Mencap