Sussex Disability Sports Network

Wednesday 1 November 2023 – Diversifying the workforce: Disabled people working & volunteering in the sector (virtual)

Following ideas submitted by network members, the next virtual forum will reflect on research that shows disabled people are twice as likely to be unemployed as non-disabled people. Therefore we need to consider how we create a more diverse and inclusive workforce to increase the  number of disabled people working and volunteering in the sector in Sussex.

To support this discussion topic, we are delighted that several network members will be sharing their own experiences and what action needs to be taken to address this question.

The forum provided an opportunity to connect, learn and share with other partners.

Video will be made available in due course.

Presentation (PDF)

Plain text of slides and additional information – including links to insight, resources and contacts.

Subsequent resource – CIMSPA 2023 Workforce Insights Report

Tuesday 06 June 2023 – Safeguarding Adults (virtual)

A focus on on Safeguarding Adults in Sport and Physical Activity with a presentation from the Ann Craft Trust with details about their support, resources and campaigns.

The forum provided an opportunity for colleagues to connect and share what they are doing.

Presentation – Including agenda, Ann Craft Trust slides and contact details

Notes from the forum including any partner updates

Wednesday 29 March 2023 – Sussex Disability Sports Network forum (virtual)

First forum of 2023 to bring together partners to connect, update on their plans for the year and explore any challenges or opportunities.

• Attendees were asked to think about:
• What have you got planned this year?
• Are you looking to work with any new audiences? If so, why? If you haven’t worked with this audience before, is there anything particular you would like to raise for discussion with the group that others may be able to provide suggestions/support with.
• Is your organisation or participants facing any challenges?
• Share any impact or good practice
• What topics would you like to see at future SDSN forums?

Please see notes which provide some updates from those present.

Wednesday 14 December, 2022 – Sussex Disability Sports Network forum (virtual)

The last virtual forum of 2022 provided an informal and reflective space to touch on the following topics which were put forward by network members;

• Gather thoughts around delivering a 2023 event
• Evidencing community needs and insight- what is out there already? How can you gather local knowledge/date/needs?
• Marketing – a follow on from the SDSN conference sessions
• Impairment specific provision

Tuesday 4 October, 2022 – Accessible facilities (virtual)

A focus on accessible facilities including a presentation about the Leisure and Skills Centre (LSC) at Chailey Heritage and learning the benefits of ‘WelcoMe’ a tech solution for front-line staff training and support of disabled customers/participants.

Also provided an opportunity to reflect on some of the key challenges highlighted in the facilities survey conducted in March 2022, to see if these are still ringing true or if any positive changes have happened.

Agenda & notes from the forum

Chailey Heritage Leisure & Skills Centre Presentation (PDF) 

WelcoMe overview (PDF)

Delegate list & additional information

22 June 2022 – Sussex Inclusive Sport & Physical Activity Conference (Face to face)

This event hosted by the Sussex Disability Sports Network and supported by Active Sussex and Rix & Kay Solicitors LLP, brought together a range of partners and key personnel across Sussex to openly and honestly discuss supporting more disabled people to participate in sport and physical activity.

The day included a keynote Q&A with Fabienne Andre and three insightful sessions including guest speakers/panelists sharing their own experiences, observations and knowledge.

Presentations and resources for these sessions can be found below (please contact for alternative versions).

Host, guest speakers and panellist bios

This Girl Can: Coach, Play, Learn – Are we effectively supporting and engaging disabled women and girls in sport and physical activity? (PDF) and attendee thoughts/reflections (PDF).

Inclusive provision in education settings and beyond – How can we create better relationships with education settings to create more inclusive opportunities? (PDF) and attendee thoughts/reflections (PDF).

Changing the Narrative – Communication is everyone’s business! – How do we make sure that the person is at the heart of whatever communication we use? (PDF)

Session resource sheet (PDF)

Sported x Active Sussex – Together Fund flyer (PDF)

Delegate list – please get in touch if you would like to be connected.

02 March 2022 – Supporting low-income households with someone living with a disability or long-term health condition (virtual)

Given the latest rise in the cost of living, this forum focused on how partners are supporting low-income households with someone living with a disability or long-term health condition, and some funding that is available to support accessing physical activity.

The forum provided an opportunity for colleagues to connect and share what they are doing.

Watch the recording here. 

Supplementary information from partners and relevant updates.

14 October 2021 – Reflecting on the Get Out Get Active learning workshop & partner updates (virtual)

An opportunity to reflect on the Activity Alliance’s Get Out Get Active (GOGA) programme impact and learning workshop.

Attendees also provided an update on their own work.

There is no recording available for this forum – please see summary document which includes partners updates.

12 August 2021 – Future SDSN conference discussion & partner updates (virtual)

Network members where given an opportunity to discuss the deliver of a future face to face SDSN conference and reflect on feedback from the SDSN Champions.

Attendees also provided an update on their own work.

There is no recording available for this forum – please see summary document which includes partners updates.

8 June 2021 – Reflecting on the new Activity Alliance Strategy and focused discussion around Equality (virtual)

Network members were brought together to consider the new Activity Alliance Strategy 2021-2024, discuss tackling inequality in Sport and physical activity and particularly focusing on racial equality in light of the anniversary of George Floyd’s death.

Attendees also provided an update on their own work.

Presentation -Activity Alliance Strategy & Equality discussion

There is no recording available for this forum – please see summary document which includes partners updates.

30 March 2021 – Reflecting on Annual Disability and Activity Survey 20/21 and the new Sport England Strategy (virtual)

An opportunity to hear about the Activity Alliance’s Annual Disability and Activity Survey 20/21 results and key findings, and reflect on the new Sport England Strategy, specifically around one of the Five Big Issues – Active Environments.

Attendees also provided an update on their own work.

Watch the recording here

28 January 2021 – Sussex Disability Sports Network forum future focus (virtual)

An opportunity for network members to come together to connect and review the feedback from the previous webinars to discuss and help shape what the SDSN should focus on for the year ahead.

There is no recording available for this forum. 

3 December 2020 – Adapting to the here and now…and tomorrow! (virtual)

A focus on how provision has been adapted in the current climate, as well as the benefits and challenges of offering a blended (face to face and online) model of delivery, now and beyond lockdown.

Watch the recording here.

Following the main forum Faye Dixey from the Royal Mencap Society provided information and answered questions around the Round the World Challenge (RTWC).

Mencap Round the World Challenge webinar recording

Round the World Challenge Hub meeting presentation.

17 November 2020 – An inclusive response to Covid-19 in sport & activity: A Sussex movement (virtual)

A call to action for partners and SDSN members to reflect on the national event ‘A collective movement: An inclusive response to COVID-19 in sport and activity’ and discuss what this meant to them/how it relates locally and how we can implement an inclusive response across the county.

Watch the recording here.

The summary report provides context to the event and reflects on the responses from across the discussion groups, along with suggested next steps. Feedback summaries from each group are also included as an appendix.

2 July 2020 – Inclusive Clubs – The how, the why and the what next! (virtual)

Showcasing a range of examples from across the county, providing insight into the different ways clubs have developed and are working to deliver a fully inclusive offer.

Watch the recording here.

Presentation slides (PDF) as follows:

• Outreach 3 Way & Chichester Falcons Softball Club: Inclusive Club presentation
• Brighton Table Tennis Club & Grace Eyre: Referenced documents (please see slide 4 for a list of all the referenced documents during the recording)
• Defiant Sports: Inclusive Club ‘Lockdown and beyond’
• Activity Alliance: Inclusion Club hub tool and Reopening Activity: An inclusive response

21 May 2020 – Children & Young People (CYP) Insight and Education Best Practice (virtual)

A focus on engaging and supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities by sharing insight, recommendations and best practice examples of different educational settings in the county.

Watch the recording here

30 April 2020 – Connecting and Collaborating during Covid-19 (virtual)

Bringing together partners for the first SDSN online forum, to share any challenges they are facing in the current climate, sharing best practice examples and thinking about recovery planning and continued collaboration opportunities.

The recovery planning section highlighted the launch of the Activity Alliance STEP resource (presentation).

Watch the recording here.