NHS Enfield’s Children and Young People’s Occupational Therapy
Lee Valley Athletics Centre
Authority funding supports NHS programme helping children’s physical activity
A bespoke running and athletics programme for 10 children from Enfield living with a range of disabilities has had a positive impact on their physical health, motor and social skills.
Funded by Lee Valley Regional Park Authority’s Community Access Fund, the eight weekly sessions at Lee Valley Athletics Centre were attended by children being supported by NHS Enfield’s Children and Young People’s Occupational Therapy team.
Children living with a range of conditions including Autism, ADHD, Downs Syndrome and Development Coordination Disorder (DCD) received four weeks of athletics coaching and four weeks of running using the venue’s world class indoor facilities.
“We set up the group as an alternative to 1-2-1 occupational therapy,” explains Juliet Vine, from the Enfield Children and Young People’s OT Team. “It’s more encouraging, motivating and takes away the clinical side of the support they receive. This programme gives children access to facilities they might otherwise struggle to use in regular group activity.
“Sessions were open to children known to us, who have been identified as having difficulties with motor skills such as balance, running and jumping. The activities encouraged them to develop these skills and we can really see a difference in ability and concentration throughout the eight weeks. We hope this programme will be a steppingstone for the children to progress to standard groups.”
Hristina’s seven-year-old daughter Sandreia has enjoyed the sessions which her mum says have really improved her confidence. “Her lack of balance means she struggles to run so it affects her at school. But these sessions have really improved her confidence and she’s willing to try exercises now, which at the beginning she couldn’t manage. At the start she couldn’t manage a whole circuit of the track but now she can run a whole loop. I can really see the difference in her. The facilities here are great.”
The Authority’s Community Access Fund provides funding for venue hire and coaching for community groups and charities in London, Hertfordshire and Essex, enabling them to take part in activities throughout the 26 mile long Lee Valley Regional Park. These include funded programmes and experiences at our six world leading sport and leisure venues. Financial support is also available to cover the cost of transport when booking a programme/session delivered by our Learning and Engagement service (*eligibility criteria applies*)