Council team scoops inclusivity award
The Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Healthy Living Team has triumphed in the Statutory Services category of the Understanding Disability Awards, organised by Cardiff and the Vale Parents Federation.
They have been presented with a plaque recognising outstanding efforts to include people with disabilities in activities, which will be displayed at the Council’s Alps depot where the team is based.
Cllr Eddie Williams, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Social Care and Health, said: “I’d like to congratulate the team on this achievement. It reflects an important Council aim to deliver for all of our residents regardless of background, sexual orientation, gender, age, and level of ability.
“We strive to be an inclusive organisation that values equality, tolerance and diversity and this award is a sign that we are heading in the right direction, although there is always more work that can be done.”
The team’s work has included supporting children within school autism bases to access activities, and delivering the Families First Holiday Club which offers children with disabilities play and sports opportunities.
Staff and community volunteers have undergone Disability Inclusion Training across three levels, whilst the team deliver the Exercise Referral Scheme, helping residents with medical conditions to live a healthier lifestyle.
The team works in partnership with the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and Disability Sport Wales on the Health Disability Pathway project. That sees individuals with disabilities referred by health professionals to the Healthy Living Team, who then signpost into appropriate community sport and physical activity opportunities.
In delivering the Golden Pass 60+ project, older adults in the Vale have been supported to access community physical activity opportunities suitable for them for health and social benefits.
Leaders on the Young Ambassadors scheme help deliver provision at Ysgol Y Deri, giving them experience of working with children of all ability levels and the chance to identify pupils who might also like to join the scheme.
Free physical activity and sport sessions were also delivered within Teenscheme, a youth club for people with disabilities.
After achieving ribbon and bronze status, the team is now aiming to move to the silver level of the insport Partnership Programme, which recognises positive inclusive practice to support disabilities in sport.
For the last 30 years, the Cardiff and Vale Parents Federation has supported parents and unpaid carers of children and adults with learning disabilities, with the aim of improving opportunities for families.
The Understanding Disability Awards are an annual event to recognise the contributions of those who work to include people with learning disabilities.