Home > Equality, Diversity and Inclusion > Diversity and inclusion > Sussex Disability Sports Network
Learn how the Sussex Disability Sports Network supports the development of disability sport and inclusive physical activity across Sussex.
The aim of the network is to support the development & provision of disability sport and inclusive physical activity across Sussex.
You can join the network and receive updates by clicking the Sussex Disability Sports Network (SDSN) as an interest on our newsletter subscription page. When you subscribe you will also receive the Active Sussex newsletter which provides information around disability and inclusive provision in sport and physical activity.
Sign up here Past Sussex Disability Sports Network updates
The network is made up of a range of partners all championing this area of work, with a number of key individuals helping to lead the direction and delivery of network events. If you are interested in supporting the network, be it leading a forum discussion or being part of the conference working group, then please contact: Gemma Finlay-Gray at gfinlay-gray@activesussex.org
A member of the Mencap Sport National Programme team will be joining us to find out how they can work with partners to better support people with a learning disability take part in sport and physical activity.
After the Mencap partner conversations, there will be time for partners to update on their own areas of work, any challenges they would like to share/ask with the group for support with and highlight plans for 2024.
Book your placeLinks to recordings (where provided) and any additional resources can be found below, this includes recordings and resources from the face to face Sussex Inclusive Sport & Physical Activity Conference in June 2022.
Presentations from face to face events between 2015 and 2019 can be found by scrolling to the bottom of this page.
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.
Plain text of slides and additional information – including links to insight, resources and contacts.
Subsequent resource – CIMSPA 2023 Workforce Insights Report
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
First forum of 2023 to bring together partners to connect, update on their plans for the year and explore any challenges or opportunities.
Please see notes which provide some updates from those present.
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;
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.
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).
Sported x Active Sussex – Together Fund flyer (PDF)
Delegate list – please get in touch if you would like to be connected.
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.
Supplementary information from partners and relevant updates.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Following the main forum Faye Dixey from the Royal Mencap Society provided information and answered questions around the Round the World Challenge (RTWC).
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.
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.
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.
Presentation slides (PDF) as follows:
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.
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).
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.
Plain text of slides and additional information – including links to insight, resources and contacts.
Subsequent resource – CIMSPA 2023 Workforce Insights Report
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
First forum of 2023 to bring together partners to connect, update on their plans for the year and explore any challenges or opportunities.
Please see notes which provide some updates from those present.
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;
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.
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).
Sported x Active Sussex – Together Fund flyer (PDF)
Delegate list – please get in touch if you would like to be connected.
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.
Supplementary information from partners and relevant updates.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Following the main forum Faye Dixey from the Royal Mencap Society provided information and answered questions around the Round the World Challenge (RTWC).
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.
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.
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.
Presentation slides (PDF) as follows:
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.
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).
10 October 2019 at the AMEX Community Stadium. The event focused on Mental Health with a presentation from Rethink Mental Illness, as well as discussions around Talent Identification & Development within Para-sport, Increasing Inclusivity and Provision and following the April event the impact of working in collaboration. SDSN Presentations – October 2019.
3 April 2019 at the Sussex County Cricket Ground, Hove. The focus of this event was on Sports collaboration within Sussex, with best practice examples and wider systems approach. SDSN Presentation – April 2019 (pdf). Press release: PR: Sussex Disability Sports Network – 04/2019. Video highlights.
25 September 2018 at Sussex County Cricket Ground, Hove. Information around Open Data as well as focus on females iin disability sport. SDSN Presentation – September 2018 (pdf). Press release: PR: Sussex Disablity Sports Network event 09/2018
29 November 2017 at the AMEX Community Stadium – The event hear from Rob Groves Handcyclist, AITC & Sussex FA Pledge, EFDS (now Activity Alliance) Sharing Impact and networking. SDSN Presentation – Nov 2017 (pdf).
16 March 2017 at University of Brighton – This event focused on a ‘speed dating’ partner engagement so there is no presentation.
05 July 2016 at University of Brighton – The event titled ‘Sporting Future Towards an Active Nation’ focus on the new strategies from DCMS and Sport England. Unpicking what they mean for disability sport. Colleagues from Disability Rights UK and Wheelpower also presented. SDSN Presentations – July 2016(pdf).
12 November 2015 at Withdean Leisure Complex – This event welcomed a talk from GB Para Table Tennis Player & Coach Shaun Newcomb, Engagement Advisor at EFDS (now Activity Alliance), updates and action planning! SDSN Presentation – Nov 2015 (pdf)
Gemma is responsible for managing key strategic stakeholder relations to tackle physical inactivity across Sussex, with a focus on increasing levels of physical activity for people with a disability, those from lower socio-economic groups, and women and girls. She oversees the Sussex Disability Sports Network, is the Lead Adult Safeguarding Officer, Deputy CYP Safeguarding Officer, Equalities lead and acts as the Active Partnership’s Human Resources lead.