Raising awareness about the importance of regular exercise for people with cerebral palsy

Taking part in sport and physical activity regularly can make a big difference to the lives of individuals with cerebral palsy. We know this from our members and participants of our events. This March we are sharing stories and insights from people with cerebral palsy on our social media platforms.

Last month, the UK’s Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) issued new guidelines that say disabled children and young people should be getting 20 minutes of exercise a day and doing strength and balance activities three times a week: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/physical-activity-guidelines-for-disabled-children-and-disabled-young-people-methodology

Being physically active and taking part in sport can be life enhancing. It provides mental, social, and physical benefits. It can increase confidence, motivation, and friendships. Being part of a club and activity might be the only time young people with cerebral palsy regularly meet up with each other. This can be empowering for the individual and provide an opportunity for families to network.

Barriers to activity for disabled people have long existed but the Covid-19 pandemic has left disabled people disproportionately affected. We need to make sure these barriers are broken down so that people with cerebral palsy are not left behind. We want people to be able to access opportunities and take part in physical activity locally and regularly. Take a look at findings from Sport England and Activity Alliance.

 

We aim to encourage people with cerebral palsy to live more active lives. We provide opportunities to access sports such as swimming, athletics, football and adapted sports such as frame running and frame football. In 2021 we held 60 events and rented out 70 pieces of adapted equipment, supporting almost 1000 children and adults with cerebral palsy.

We offer expert specialist support to parents, coaches, physiotherapists and other professionals on how to adapt sports and sessions for people with cerebral palsy. Our resources can be found here: https://cpsport.org/resources/

Increased accessibility and choice are crucial steps in enabling people with cerebral palsy to take part in activity and we are calling on fundraisers and partners to support us in providing and promoting more opportunities regionally.

Here are some simple ways that you can help and make a difference:

1. Post about CP Awareness month on social media you can share our social posts or say why CP Awareness Month is important to you. Hashtag #CPAwarenessMonth and #CPCan
2. Do you have a publication coming up? Talk about your involvement with CP Sport and people with cerebral palsy.
3. Take part in our March fundraiser: 31 miles this March – why not get your whole club or organisation on board
4. ‘Go Green’ for cerebral palsy (wear green, the recognised colour for cp awareness) for a day during March and make a donation to CP Sport: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/31milesinmarch
5. Buy an item from our shop to wear to pride in March and share on social media: SHOP
6. Take part in our upcoming EVENTS

Find out more about our impact and work here.