Next batch of ABILITY Blues sessions launched!

Blues Foundation are proud to reveal the next batch of ABILITY Blues sessions which will commence from Thursday 10th November, and will again be hosted in partnership with Autism Bedfordshire and Be Active.

The hour-long sessions will once again run in the build up to Christmas and again provides an inclusive setting for sports participation in the town.

What: ABILITY Blues Midweek Sessions

Where: Castle Newnham School, Polhill Avenue, MK41 9DT

When: 10th, 17th, 24th November; 1st, 8th, 15th December

Email enquiries@autismbeds.org to book places for the sessions!

WHAT IS ABILITY BLUES?

One of the most inspiring and uplifting projects since our official launch two years ago has been the ABILITY Blues programme, enabling young people to access physical activity across Bedfordshire.

ABILITY BLUES provides bespoke sessions focusing on positive physical and mental well-being.

These tailored sessions support those with a physical or learning disability, using a variety of sports and activities to develop fundamental movements such as agility, balance and co-ordination in a safe and fun environment.

As well as physical health benefits, another key delivery point surrounds developing confidence and increasing social skills, as well as promoting teamwork, discipline and resilience.

CASE STUDY: REUBEN’S STORY:

One of the regular service users on these projects is Reuben, who you can hear from more in the video above.

He has been one of the most proactive young people throughout our sessions and a constant source of illustrating why the programme is so important. Reuben said:

“It makes me feel fun & energetic. It’s a whole new world of exercise which I really enjoy.”

His father, Martin commented: “Reuben has never participated in much exercise. He is aware of the health benefits and need to exercise but, as is the case with many autistic kids, Reuben finds it difficult to join in team sports.

“The exercise and the camaraderie of the group are what Reuben most enjoys. Reuben is at an age and point in his personal progress where he is opening up to new experiences and these sessions have come at a really good time for him, both in the sporting challenge and their social nature.

“It's lovely to be able to watch him having fun and feeling confident to be himself. I feel excited to introduce Reuben to further sporting opportunities in the future, knowing that I can refer him back to the positive experiences had here.”

Sensory Direct UK note the chance of missing out on sporting activity is higher for people with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) owing to a whole host of different factors and this has been highlighted further by the pandemic with cases of social exclusion and isolation on the rise.

We are incredibly proud to be offering a service that has such an impact in the local community and cannot wait to see the results of this latest batch of sessions.

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You can find Blues Foundation on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Alternatively, you can contact Blues Foundation Manager, Tom Harwood via email at info@bluesfoundation.org.uk with any specific questions you may have.

Tom Harwood