Celebration event for Get Active Together and Deaf Get Active

A great turnout as we celebrated two fantastic projects last weekend.

Deaf Get Active and Get Active Together has achieved so much during the time the projects have run. The event on Sunday was a chance to say thank you to everyone involved.

Deaf Get Active and Get Active Together celebrated:

• 554 beneficiaries / participants including online activities during Covid
• 42 sports providers improving accessibility
• 756 social followers
• 100 Volunteers

Partnership working
All in partnership with Active Devon. Team members learning from each other and benefitting from respective areas of expertise, knowledge and networks. “The project could not run without this partnership.” Team member

Bringing communities together
Bridging the gap between the Deaf community, disabled people and local sport / activity providers.

Being user led
Led by people with lived experience, both in the staff team and in the project steering group.

Volunteer buddies
Provided essential peer support and acted as role models for their community.

Improving accessibility & increasing participation
Improving accessibility for Deaf people in local sports provision; breaking down barriers and increasing participation; providing Deaf awareness training, BSL guides and ongoing support for sports providers.

Inclusive activities included: Wellbeing walks, cycling, climbing, swimming, tennis, yoga, Futsal and football, keep fit, Tae Kwon Do, seated exercise, Parkruns, boxing, badminton, athletics, gym, aqua fit, wheelchair dancing and more!

Deaf Get Active / Get Active Together volunteers have said:

“Being a buddy gives me motivation to be active.”

“It is most rewarding when Deaf people start to join in… I have encouraged Deaf people to make them feel more part of the community…”

“I enjoy volunteering to make new friends and have new challenges.”

“Attending group activities that give me the opportunity to meet others and take part in an outdoor activity.”

Thank you to everyone that has made these projects a success including our partners Active Devon and funders over the years including:

– Sport England Volunteering Fund
– Devon & Exeter Deaf Charity
– The Together Fund
– Growing Communities
– Peter Harrison Foundation