People with a learning disability have the same needs as everyone else for recreation and social activity.  This could mean a physical activity or competitive sports, something quiet and thoughtful or relaxing.

There are some long established groups such as Gateway Clubs, PHAB and Riding for the Disabled, which provide activities with the specific needs of people with disabilities in mind.

However, there is increasing scope for people with a learning, or physical disability to take part in activities within the community.  Practical adaptations to sports and leisure venues are making access easier.  The training of leisure staff, in both practical assistance and awareness is beginning to be offered to leisure clubs in the area.  This means that integration with other members and the use of community facilities is starting to happen.  Sometimes volunteers are also available to assist an individual with a disability to integrate into a club or use community facilities.

The North Yorkshire Disabled Sports Forum is compiling details of what sport and leisure groups and facilities are available across the country.  They are also giving opportunities for people with disabilities to try out different activities as well as offering disability awareness training to clubs in the area.

Contact:

Community Learning Disability Team            Telephone: (01609) 751356
Gibraltar House
Thurston Road
Northallerton
North Yorkshire
 

LOCAL CLUBS OR ORGANISATIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH A LEARNING DISABILITY

Mowbray Gateway Club                               Telephone: (01609) 770637
Contact: Mrs Karen Jack

Meets at the Mencap Centre on Fridays, 6.30 – 8.30pm – term-time only.  (Age range over 16 years)  This is a leisure, social and recreational club, with a snack bar.  Sports and craft activities are offered as well as outings. 

Easingwold Gateway Club                          Telephone: (01765) 658858
Contact: Mr Richard Hughes

Meets at Easingwold Youth Club, Easingwold School, York Road on Mondays, 7.00 – 9.00pm – term-time only.  Age Range: Teens – 65 years.  Access for people in wheelchairs is good.

Ripon Gateway Club                                     Telephone: (01765) 609876
Contact: Richard Hughes

Meets at Sharow View, Allhallowgate, Ripon on Tuesdays at 6.45pm.
Age Range: Adults.  Access for wheelchairs is good.

St John's Centre Club                                  Telephone: (01748) 833325
Contact: Rose Hull

Meets at St John’s Centre, Shute Road, Catterick Garrison on Thursdays, 7.00 – 9.00pm. Access for wheelchairs is good.

Great Ayton Youth Club                               Telephone: (01642) 722380
Contact: Mr Kent                                               Telephone: (01642) 722682

Meets at Great Ayton Methodist Youth Centre, High Street, Great Ayton.
Wednesdays, 7.00 – 9.00pm (11 years plus)
Fridays           6.00 – 7.45pm (8 – 10 years)

Age range: 8 – 21 years.  Access for wheelchairs is good.
A Methodist Youth Club offering a range of activities, excursions and interests and welcoming young people with special needs.

Thirsk Evening Leisure Group                   Telephone: (01845) 523529
Contact: Clare Ballam

Thirsk Comprehensive School, Topcliffe Road.
Fridays 7.00 - 9.00pm
Age range: 16 plus
 

BREATHING SPACE

Breathing Space is a flexible leisure scheme, started in May 1994 in order to meet the wishes of people with learning disabilities, who live in the districts of Hambleton and Richmondshire.  It is an independent organisation managed by a volunteer committee. Membership of Breathing Space is open to anyone who is 18 years of age or over and who supports the aims of the scheme.

Breathing Space aims to enable people with learning disabilities who are 18 years of age or over to develop their ability to pursue leisure activities.  Individuals and informal groups may be assisted, where possible, to join in with established community and recreational activities.  Breathing Space also seeks to support a carer or family by providing regular respite when the person with learning disabilities, for whom they care, takes part in enjoyable activities away from their home at weekends and during evenings.

How does it Work?

The Management Committee appoints Group Leaders who, on a sessional basis, arrange/lead a rolling programme of events and activities which have been requested by the users of the scheme.  These activities are held on weekends and evenings.  Additional helpers also assist the users and support the leaders. The scheme also makes use of volunteers.

All users, Group Leaders, supporters and volunteers are invited to a social planning evening every two months.  These meetings take part in each area, Northallerton/Thirsk/Bedale, Richmond, Stokesley and Easingwold – so that as many people as possible get the chance to be involved.  The users identify what activities they would like arranging for the next programme.

Care Assistants can be arranged for users who need one-to-one support on activities.

Breathing Space has two minibuses, which have wheelchair lifts and full seat belts.  Private cars and other mini-buses are also used, as required.  Some activities involve the use of public transport, with the assistance of Group Leaders.

Values of Breathing Space

1. That joining the scheme should be an enjoyable experience for users, supporters and volunteers.
2. That the individuals using the scheme are encouraged, supported and empowered to join in the leisure activities which they choose for themselves as far as they are able.
3. That respect and support for all individuals as equals, whatever their disability, age, sex or ethnic origin, should be maintained.
4. That all activities are supported appropriately according to individual needs and the activity chosen.
5. That all Group Leaders and supporters have a current First Aid Certificate and appropriate training.

For more information please contact:

Mrs Gina Tye (Administration Co-ordinator)
Mencap Centre,
Goosecroft Lane,
Northallerton,
North Yorkshire
DL6 1EG

Telephone: (01609) 779420

Mobile Telephone: (used on activities) 0378 896220
 

RIDING FOR THE DISABLED

There are several centres, which offer Riding for the Disabled sessions once a week.  Some may be full so it is important to make contact first.  Riders will be asked for a doctor’s written permission and they must inform the Group Organiser of any medical condition or surgical appliance which they wear. 

Some local groups are:

If you would like any more details or have any queries, telephone the County Chairperson, which for North Yorkshire is:

Mrs Robson                                           Telephone: (01748) 811339
Ruddhall
East Appleton  DL10 7QD
 

SWIMMING SESSIONS

Swimming Sessions for people with disabilities are run at some swimming pools. They are also available for use, when open, to people with learning disabilities as members of the general public.

Hambleton Leisure Centre                  Telephone: (01609) 777070
Stonecross
Northallerton

The building is fully accessible and has a special changing cubicle with shower and toilet.

Thirsk Swimming Pool                          Telephone: (01845) 522447
Chapel Street
Thirsk

The building is fully wheelchair accessible, with a pool hoist for use by people with disabilities.

Richmond Swimming Pool                    Telephone: (01748) 824581
Old Station Yard
Richmond

Disabled Sessions on Wednesdays 11.30am – 12.30 noon.
There is a pool hoist.  Changing rooms and showers are accessible by a separate entrance.

Richmond-Dales Swimming club for children aged 6 to 17

Bedale Leisure Centre                               Telephone: (01677) 427272
Firby Road
Bedale

Disabled Sessions on Friday 2.00 – 4.00pm.  No Physiotherapist.  Hoist available.
 

MAINSTREAM SPORTS CLUBS

There are a great number of clubs across the area, which any member of the community can join.  There are usually full lists of these clubs in local libraries.

The A.B.Cers.

The A.B.Cers are a group of young people who meet on a monthly basis.  Most of the young people are either going, are at, or are returning from a residential or local further education college courses.

The group is organised by Kathleen Dodds who is based at  Askham Bryan College in Bedale, supported by Thelma Thomas, Northallerton Connexions and Anne Baker, The Dales School.

For more information contact Kathleen Dodds at Askham Bryan College, Benkhill Drive, Bedale DL8 2EA.  Tel: 01677 422344