AWARENESS IN MENTAL HEALTH SOARS

AS SKIERS AND SNOWBOARDERS WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS BENEFIT FROM LIFE-CHANGING SKILLS

Individuals with additional needs and mental health challenges are gaining invaluable life-changing skills through skiing and snowboarding with Snowbility. With their slogan, ‘It's cool to be different’ Snowbility are supporting SEN schools, their students, families, and carers to achieve amazing results.

Snowbility is the first of its kind to receive Accreditation Status and Commendation from the National Autistic Society (NAS). They have also been accredited by the NAS for their online Yeti Fitness Academy where they deliver virtual activity sessions for anyone with social, sensory, physical, or mental health challenges who find it difficult to get to a gym or other exercise facility.

Snowbility is the brainchild of Ski Development Coach, Richard Fetherston, and here is what he had to say: “Our aim is to enrich the lives of our students, parents, carers, and teachers we work with, by giving those with additional needs and mental health challenges the opportunity to develop both emotionally and physically through skiing and snowboarding. Once we get our pupils skiing and their families start to see the changes, then they all benefit; everyone gets involved. It is truly humbling to see lives change in such a positive way.”

The team are fully qualified ski and snowboard instructors with the knowledge, experience, and passion to provide tailor-made coaching for a wide range of complex physical, psychological, and mental health needs, including learning disabilities, autism, dyspraxia and hard of hearing. Based at The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead, Snowbility have created a safe environment with an infinite sense of adventure and fun, where each student feels special, and every course is tailored to deliver a unique personal experience. This engagement, in a purposeful activity, enhances their social, emotional and communication skills, whilst improving fitness, balance, concentration and self-confidence.

Snowbility’s coaching methods go way beyond teaching their students to ski or snowboard. They work in partnership with them, their families, carers, and other health and social care professionals to develop a personalised programme centred round the needs of every individual. This enables the team to read how their students will react, whilst developing their nonverbal communication skills, ability to balance and continuously building their confidence by charting and rewarding their progress.

Here is what West Lea School in London had to say: “Simply one of the best experiences our learners have had during their lifetime. Our learners have different complex needs, but the instructors were still able to ensure everyone had the same opportunity and fun. Our learners have not stopped speaking about their ski-trip and are hopeful to take part in more in the future.”

To find out how we can support you, contact Kathy Morris at kathy@snowbility.co.uk

www.snowbilty.co.uk