New Sensory Activity Project

Last year the Sensory Alliance, a partnership between the charities British Blind Sport, Sense and UK Deaf Sport, was awarded a grant from the Tackling Inequalities Fund to help older people with sensory impairments become more active. The project was launched on 9 November 2021, and its initial focus is on the boroughs of Barnet, Bromley, Bexley, and Croydon, but it is open to anyone over the age of 45 in London who has a sensory impairment. Individuals who register for the project will receive an accessible, downloadable activity pack containing a variety of activities that they can do alone or with friends and family in their homes or local spaces. In addition, The Sensory Alliance will be providing training opportunities to assist local partners and organisations in becoming more confident in delivering inclusive activities to those with sensory impairments. Research conducted by RNIB and Action for Hearing Loss has shown that there are 2 million d/Deaf adults and over 200,00 blind or partially sighted adults currently living in London. This research also showed that transport issues, lack of communication, poor mental health and low self-esteem were common barriers for adults living with sensory impairments to participating in activities. The pandemic was also identified as an issue that has increased isolation and decreased physical activity among people living with a sensory impairment in London. The project aims to reduce isolation and support individuals to increase physical activity in a safe and social environment. Rosie Wilson, Oomph! senior marketing and relationship manager said: “There has never been a more important time to focus on the wellbeing of older adults. That is why Oomph! whole-heartedly supports the Sensory Alliance’s new project as a fantastic opportunity to engage older people with sensory impairments in getting active. We’ve seen first-hand that the best way to encourage physical activity is to make it fun, inclusive and adaptable – which is exactly what this project will achieve.” Alex Pitts, national partnerships manager at British Blind Sport said: “British Blind Sport understands that this has been a particularly difficult time for people with disabilities. We believe that physical activity has the power to improve lives and hope that our new project, in partnership with the Sensory Alliance, will encourage older people with sensory impairments to get back into sports and reconnect with their community. People can get involved in a variety of ways, from participating in challenges to learning new skills.”

You can download the activity pack from the Sensory Alliance website at ukdeafsport.org.uk/sensoryalliance and use this to get your adult patients living with sensory impairments more active this year. You can also share your story on social media channels if you have used the activity pack or found a local activity via the Sensory Alliance website. Share photos and stories using #ActiveSensoryLDN.