Live a Little SUP

The sky is grey and there’s a chill in the air, but today’s group of paddle boarders don’t seem to mind as they don safety gear and await instructions before heading out on the lake at Lee Valley White Water Centre.

The group of young adults from Live A Little, based in Roydon, Essex, are enjoying their third visit to our Hertfordshire Olympic legacy venue at Waltham Cross to try different activities that challenge them both physically and mentally.

“The experiences push the boundaries of what our clients do,” says Live A Little Director Ray Tomkins. The organisation operates a day centre and provides respite care, supported living and weekend stays for young adults with disabilities in Hertfordshire and Essex.

Over the summer, groups supported by Live A Little have tried raft building, the inflatable water wipeout course and paddle boarding, funded by Lee Valley Regional Park Authority’s Community Access Fund (CAF).

Participants are living with a range of conditions including Downs syndrome, autism and learning difficulties. “For some of our group, like Max who is out on the water today, this is a massive thing,” explained Ray. “He generally finds it hard to engage with people he doesn’t know and is often unsure. But he’s been here before and that familiarity is so important. The instructors all engage very well with the groups.”

Up to 17 people have taken part in each session. “They are learning a new skill and with activities like raft building they are improving their teamwork as well. That was an activity they all really loved.

“Even those that don’t really like the water have given it a go and enjoyed it. There are so many positives gained from these sessions for our groups. Those that tend to be quieter often find their voice and some are really proud to show what they have achieved.”

Lee Valley’s CAF and Active Communities Grant Scheme cover the cost of coaching, venue hire or travel for underserved communities to encourage more people from across the region to be active in Lee Valley Regional Park. Find out more here.