Move To Include

What is it?

At SASP, we believe in the power of sport and physical activity to transform lives. We're dedicated to creating more opportunities for people with disabilities across Somerset, and we know that every activity can be adapted to suit individual needs—no matter your experience or ability.  

Move to Include supports people with a learning disability and/or autism to get involved in community sport and physical activity. We'll work with each adult and young person (aged 8 and above) to find the right club or activity that matches their interests and needs, and support them as they settle in. Our aim is to make the move as smooth as possible, while boosting mental, social, and physical wellbeing. We also support local clubs who want to open their doors wider and make their activities more inclusive for everyone. 

Who is it for?

Adults and children

Where?

Bridgwater, Taunton and Yeovil

children kayaking

Nominating Individuals for Move to Include 

Anyone can make a nomination, professionals, families, or individuals themselves. To nominate a person into the Move to Include programme please complete our nomination form. 

Before you submit the nomination please read the following: 

  • Nominations can be made for people with a learning disability and/or autism.
  • The person should be interested in being active - whether that's to improve their health, meet new people, or feel less isolated. 
  • Please make sure the person you're nominating is happy for you to put them forward.
  • The aim of our programme is to support individuals into a community sports club/active group so if they are already in one of these settings we would advise not to put a nomination in.
  • We don't provide transport for the individual to get to their chosen community provision, so they will need to have their own support with this or be able to walk/cycle if appropriate.

 

I started working with Morgan after he was referred to Jump Start by his school due to difficulties in class and frequent detentions. Since joining the Highbridge Jump Start Club, his confidence, communication, and leadership skills have grown significantly. Throughout lockdown, Morgan stayed fully engaged and was particularly keen to develop as a leader. Supporting younger participants, including children with SEND, became a real strength for him. His commitment and maturity now make him a valued role model within the programme.
Mentor
I have worked with Leo through the Jump Start project since he was first referred by his school, at a time when he was really struggling to stay engaged in class. Over the years, I have seen a huge growth in his confidence and his ability to take part positively in group activities. During lockdown, Leo was determined to stay involved and took full ownership of his progress through regular calls and challenges. His enthusiasm for learning new skills, particularly around cycling, has been a real strength. Watching him step into the Leadership Programme has shown just how far he has come.
Mentor
I began working with E through the Jump Start programme during lockdown, when engagement had been difficult for many professionals. Despite a very unsettled home life, he consistently showed up for our sessions and built a strong relationship through that continuity. Supporting him into martial arts was a key moment for him. His confidence, resilience, and willingness to push through challenges have grown week by week. He is now more positive about his future and proud of what he is achieving, which has been a real privilege to witness.
Mentor
When I first met T through the Jump Start 1:1 mentor programme, she was understandably cautious and unsure about engaging. We started gently, reconnecting her with sport she already loved, and slowly built trust through regular meet-ups. Supporting her into a local boxing club was a real turning point. She has grown in confidence, attends independently, and has built positive relationships both at the club and at home. Seeing her channel her energy in such a healthy way has been incredibly rewarding.
Mentor
When I first came in I was feeling rock bottom after being told I was pre-diabetic. SJ provided me with information, support and encouragement and when I left her room I felt so much more positive.i have started eating better and exercising more and am more determined to carry this on. Thank you.
1:1 Participant
Given me a boost. Have felt supported and have more confidence.
1:1 Participant
I learned more in that one session with Kelly about how to use my muscles than I have in four weeks of physio exercises at home.
Participant
From week one, I’ve felt so much better all round for doing the exercises in class. Fran’s tuition has been hugely positive, both physically and mentally, for me.
Participant
I have thoroughly enjoyed the gym sessions. Fran and Kelly have been very supportive and encouraging. The sessions have impacted me in a positive way and hopefully instilled better exercise habits outside of using the gym. I hope the scheme continues and others have access to the same benefits that the sessions bring.
Participant
My sincere thanks go to Luisa, Fran and Kelly for their support, understanding and expert tuition which is aimed at restoring one's physical ability, and working appropriately with individual needs. It's worked wonderfully for me!
Participant
Being able to attend The Beach Wellness has restored a great deal of my physical capacity, and as a result I have regained confidence in my activities and mentally feel very positive.
Participant
I feel my moods and outlook were more positive when in the classes, getting out and being motivated by the people involved really helped how I felt about myself.
Participant
After a severe immune reaction, my joints, especially my knees, went weak and very painful. Thank goodness for this class! The careful guidance of the excellent staff and exercises specific to our needs, this class is a must if one wants to improve knee and hip mobility.
Participant
The relationship between staff and myself has been positive and remains so. The session lengths work well and we are frequently reminded to work at our own pace. Staff continued offering positive comments throughout.
Participant
It sounds dramatic, but this free Saturday afternoon gym has genuinely been life-changing. I can't thank you enough, for the brilliant gym programme you gave me, which was pitched at just the right level, and all the support in the gym on Saturday afternoons. I trust you, you both really know your stuff. I've turned my life around in the last 3 months and you were what started it. Now I'm walking Parkrun on Saturday mornings, I'm eating better, I've lost weight, my headspace is so much better. I can help the kids that I work with better. I was a mess before. I can't describe how much this has helped me. Thank you.
Andrew
...The girls are fantastic, very professional and caring. Making sure we are feeling fine after each routine. We recommend the gym to anybody and will continue to come after our 12 week period. It’s also something we can continue to do together after...
Participant
Well, what can I say! The referral course has been amazing for me, I not only feel more mobile but I feel so much better in myself too. This is definitely thanks to the wonderful staff, they are excellent.
Participant
It’s such a great advantage to have Leanne with me as she knows my strengths and weaknesses. I feel so much fitter not just physically but mentally too
Chris
It’s been great for me socially as I am a shy person. The environment makes me feel safe which is comforting
Dorothy
It’s a lovely environment. The classes are fun and not competitive; I feel I can go at my own pace and I really enjoy the social side of the scheme too
Ann
I would never have thought about going to the gym, but Leanne has made it accessible for me
Jean
I enjoy the fitness sessions, the girls there are knowledgeable and make you very welcome. I always leave the gym with a sense of achievement after a session. I would like to attend more regularly than once a week but its a cost that is difficult to justify these days.
Participant
The Beach Wellness is the key enabler that is helping me onto a better lifestyle. My experience is really positive and I look forward to each session. I am also supported by the staff and this facility has improved my fitness and made me more active. I would be lost without this support.
Participant
I think that the staff are friendly and welcoming and having a regular physical activity to attend, together with my husband, is nice. I think attending the gym makes you more focused on becoming fit. I did initially lose weight but I have put it back on again following an illness where I had to take a break from exercise/ the gym. I hope to now focus on losing weight again. I like the fact that there has been a flexible approach, when I can take a break from the gym without losing my free weeks.
Participant
I've enjoyed the sessions and feel they have contributed to strengthening my back - back pain was the reason for my referral. All the trainers have been helpful at all times.
Participant
I am now moving better, mentally stronger and gaining confidence. I have really noticed the benefits of the programme.
Participant
I’m moving better, feeling mentally stronger and I have gained confidence
Participant
As someone who has been retired for more than 20 years, I lacked the motivation to improve my level of fitness before surgery so I am very aware that the outcome of this programme has improved the prospects for a better result after my surgery.
Participant
I improved my cardiovascular fitness considerably as well as losing several kilos in weight. It was very convenient to undertake the sessions at home at consistent times so that I could plan other activities and work around the sessions. Consequently, it will be much easier to continue this programme on my own with the help of a session recording which was kindly made available for us. The instruction was very clear and it was very helpful.
Participant
I’m moving better, feeling mentally stronger and I have gained confidence.
Participant
I was pleased to have been encouraged to participate in the programme. I hope it will help my recovery after the operation and feel I can continue to do the exercises for as long as necessary
Participant
I felt really welcomed and supported on the course, which helped me to reduce my anxiety and increased my confidence.
Participant
I was shy at first but my confidence was boosted each week. I really liked the course and felt I developed my team work. I felt I was getting fitter too.
Participant
I was suffering from a very painful left knee and went to see my GP. She diagnosed that I probably had osteoarthritis and referred me to Musgrove Park Hospital. They confirmed my condition but as I was overweight (obese) they would not put me on the waiting list for a replacement knee. I started going to the gym, cycling, rowing and seated strength exercises. Whilst I was feeling healthier the weight was not reducing enough to be put on the waiting list. Having started the course it was obvious that the exercise alone was not going to work as I was putting too many calories into my body. This is something I had never considered or even thought about. When I started the course I was 115kgs at the end I was down to 96kgs. By going on and doing the full course I now do a daily calorie count and a weekly weight check. Not every week is a perfect one but I am managing to keep it down to a level where I have now been put on the waiting list for a knee replacement.
Derrick - Course Participant
Jac certainly made the whole course work seamlessly. She has definitely helped kickstart my weight-loss journey!
Course Participant
I did learn a better way to plan my meals and tried some activities I wouldn’t have otherwise tried. I now know the type of activities I want to try and include going forward.
Course Participant
I am now getting out there to try out different activities and try not to feel too self-conscious about it. For that, I have resumed swimming, something I haven't done in years and I'm currently enjoying it immensely.
Course Participant
I found the course much more informative than I thought it would be. Jac is such an inspirational coach. It was great to try activities that I never thought I would be able to do and enjoy doing them.
Course Participant
A massive thank you for all the support my 11-year-old daughter, "E," received through HHH. E has Autism and ADHD and had a really tough time starting secondary school. Things became so overwhelming that she had to move schools, which was a big and scary step for her and her family. Thanks to her time at HHH, E was able to walk into her new school, a completely unfamiliar environment with new children, and believe she could handle it. The confidence she gained from the sessions gave her the courage to take that leap. I was so grateful for the care and support you have provided, and it really shows how much of an impact these sessions have on children's lives. Moments like these are why what you do matters so much. Thank you for everything you bring to HHH. It is truly changing lives.
HHH Parent
I've enjoyed your Love to Pedal and Walk videos on YouTube. I lived in Bridgwater, having grown-up there, until 1972, when I moved to London. My sister still lives in Wembdon. So, although I've been a lifelong cyclist I'm afraid age is catching up with me. When I discovered your videos (through searching Langport Cycling Club) it was a revelation! I'm using a static bike to gently spin and to be able to watch your lovely rides and walks in places I either know or want to is wonderful.
Peter
Love to Pedal improved my overall mobility, particularly my arms as I would often place them on the table and use. I am active every day now!
Brian
I was given my pedals as I don't own a bike but needed to exercise my legs as i'd been immobile through illness for most of last year. SASP was very helpful and I found the pedals easy to use and I generally pedaled as I watched the TV. I'm very grateful for the help I have received and anyone considering getting a set, I would definitely recommend!
Sheila - Love 2 Pedal
Residents feel a sense of achievement after using them. Lots of smiles can be seen and they are a good conversation starter. It's positive to bring residents together, we always have a giggle getting them started and showing how to use.
Activity Co-ordinator
I cannot walk too far due to my mobility, however being able to watch and take part in the walking routes SASP created on my smart TV. This means I am able to see familiar places and feel like I am out in nature. It is a really nice idea.
Walk YOUR Way Participant
I liked being able to see the route on the booklet drive there and not worry about if there's loos or benches to rest. I completed walks around Taunton, Wellington and The Bishop Palace in Wells. It allowed myself and my wife to get out after my hip operation.
Walk Your Way Participant
I had a knee replacement last year- I cannot drive and live very rural so it was lovely to be able to complete walks I know at home and watch them on the TV. Lauren at SASP introduced me to the project and helped me set it up on YouTube. It has helped me keep moving
Walk YOUR Way Participant
Walk your Way has enabled me to get moving again. It’s nice to have the option to test the routes virtually before I go out and walk it, it has given me the confidence to get out more.
Heather
The Walk YOUR Way booklet we offer to patients not only helps them build confidence with walking but also provides them with a tangible resource they can take home and enjoy. By being accessible and already mapped out patients feel able to try the walks or if not try them online at home first. It’s a great option for those not able to do longer walks.
NHS Physiotherapist
I enjoyed the routes in Vivary Park, Wellington and Yeovil - I could do them by myself or with my friend as we found we could take the bus.
Walk YOUR Way Participant
I had the new DVD after seeing the post on Facebook, it was a great resource as I don't have access to YouTube on a big screen. I was able to walk and keep moving with routes I know.
Walk YOUR Way Participant
The versatility within the scheme is very helpful as people can start to build up strength using online walks either sitting or standing.
Health & Wellbeing Coach
I have recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s - after being a cyclist all my life this has been tough - I cannot cycle anymore and can’t walk far, my grandson saw this offer online and we took it up. We watch the videos on YouTube and I was able to walk around Somerset without having to leave the house.
Walk YOUR Way Participant
I loved picking the vegetables ready to make lunch.
HHH Participant
I love coming to the cooking sessions. I cook more at home now after coming here many times.
HHH Participant
My son loves the In The Mix Project sessions, they are the only group in our area that provide day trips. It gives him an opportunity to go out with children his own age, that he wouldn't have without the group. My son is a young carer and these sessions provide him with the opportunity to forget the struggles of home life and focus on himself. He has made friends, thinks highly of all staff members and comes home smiling.
HHH Parent
My daughter absolutely loved the rafting and I am so happy she had the opportunity to do this. My daughter is 12 years old now and was reluctant to try something new. I managed to persuade my daughter to give the ' Sense of Adventure ' course a go as the age range was 12 to 16. My daughter came out on a high on day one and said the caving was really good fun.
HHH Parent
I don't get to do that sort of thing usually as I don't have a Dad to take me! I have loved it!
HHH Participant
Zoe Ridler
Disability Projects Officer
T 07933512647
E ZRidler@sasp.co.uk

Zoe is a member of the inclusion team and manages the Move To Include programme, helping people with a learning disability and/or autism get involved in community sport and physical activity.