Bexley Mencap supports people with learning disabilities to lead an active and fulfilling life.
The organisation run a range of sports and physical activity groups to improve well-being and mobility, reduce social isolation and encourage heathier lifestyles. The group are also involved in community runs including the Bexley 5k parkrun, and local fun runs.
Location: Bexleyheath, London
For the last year Bexley Mencap have teamed up with Bexley Good Gym to show how learning disability members can take an active role in volunteering to help their local community and keep fit at the same time. One of the group’s members has just completed his 100th parkrun and has also run competitive 10k races never having run before joining the groups.
Since November 2017, 80% of members have lost weight including one member who has lost four stone.
The group believe the best way to promote sports physical activity is to support it with a strong health and wellbeing and community focus. Bexley Mencap help members keep active and overcome barriers to better health.
Kara Lee, CEO of Bexley Mencap, said:
We are delighted to have been selected as finalists in the awards recognising the hard work and dedication of our team and our members. Sports activities can help to break down barriers for people with a learning disability and bring communities together, with people of all backgrounds taking part together. We strongly believe that everyone can get involved in sport and physical activity and many of our members with a learning disability have achieved amazing things through sport. This award recognises them all for their achievements and we couldn’t be more proud.
