Sport for Confidence and Everyone Active have launched a community-focused delivery model in Westminster, London to improve access to physical activity for people with disabilities and long-term health conditions.

The Sport for Confidence community team will work alongside Everyone Active to embed a therapeutic approach to physical activity that promotes health, prevents ill-health and enables participants to achieve goals beyond sport.

Occupational therapists will be accessible throughout the borough to run inclusive physical activity sessions tailored to the needs of diverse communities. Based on a successful delivery model underway in Essex, the programme has been adapted to reflect the locality.

Robert Walker, occupational therapist and clinical lead at Sport for Confidence, says: “Everybody has a right to experience physical activity and sport, which can empower, provide meaningful choices and a sense of belonging. Through this collaborative approach, we're seeking to build active lives and active neighbourhoods, reducing health inequalities and creating lasting positive experiences for all residents of Westminster.

“Strengthening partnerships with Adult Social Care, NHS services, and other community organisations is key to fostering a connected approach to community wellbeing. Participants will be provided with personalised support by ensuring activities align with their unique needs and aspirations.

“To create a more welcoming and accessible environment, local coaches and leisure centre workers will receive specialised training from Sport For Confidence, helping to build capacity for inclusive opportunities across Westminster that specifically target those furthest away from physical activity.”

Sport for Confidence is introducing a quality stamp – the Smiley Face Partnership Mark – which signifies an activity has been co-created with its occupational therapists and coaches to be inclusive, accessible and person-centred focus. Other physical activity providers, organisations and community groups in Westminster are also invited to sign up to the model.

Rebecca Phillips, Everyone Active’s health and wellbeing strategic lead, says: “We’re proud to be recognised for the role we play in supporting local communities.

"Extending our partnership with Sport for Confidence to deliver this new community model in Westminster allows us to tackle the barriers to being physically active and improves access to occupational therapy services. By providing solutions to improve health and wellbeing outcomes, we can help build more resilient neighbourhoods.”