Norwood and Maccabi GB have teamed up to offer children with special needs, physical disabilities and learning disabilities the opportunity to take part in a new Healthy Lifestyle Project. Children with disabilities or special needs can sometimes be denied sporting and health enhancing opportunities, which can result in a low level of fitness. The Project therefore offers individually tailored programme of activities for each child. The aim is having fun, staying fit, keeping well and adopting positive and appropriate changes to lifestyle in order to help to sustain health and build confidence. Children at any level of fitness can attend the Healthy Lifestyles pilot project between February and May.
The project uses the expertise of Norwood, Maccabi GB and Barnet partner organisation, IPOP, the Inclusive Play Opportunities Project. Maccabi instructors with specialist qualifications and knowledge will work with children, in consultation with their parents. Together they will design individual programmes suited to each child and, where possible, encourage them to take part in sports and activities in teams or groups.
The programme includes a wide range of sports activities such as football, athletics, exercise programmes and as well as healthy eating and cooking activities. Events will take place at Norwood’s Kennedy Leigh Children & Family Centre and at facilities in the local community.
Hilary Rosen, Development Manager at Norwood’s Kennedy Leigh Children & Family Centre said, “This is a wonderful opportunity for the children who will be able to enjoy their individually tailored programme that will have a positive impact on their health and fitness.”
Michelle Weltman, Director of Youth and Sports Development at Maccabi GB said, ‘We are very excited by this joint venture and we are sure that all the young people will benefit greatly from such a project.”
The Healthy Lifestyle Project is funded by Awards for All (supported by The National Lottery), Sport Relief and the Jack Petchey Foundation.
Anyone who is interested in their child joining Unity, our recreational service for children with disabilities, and taking part in the Healthy Lifestyle Project should contact Hilary Rosen at Norwood on hilary.rosen@norwood.org.uk or 020 8457 4452.
Alternatively contact Daniel Morris at Maccabi GB on danielmoris@maccabigb.org
For more information plesase contact: Naomi Creeger, PR Manager on 020 8420 6900 or naomi.creeger@norwood.org.uk
