Agenda and minutes

The minutes were agreed as a true record.

Cycling on paths – this was actually a motorcycling issue rather than push bikes and incidents should be reported through to the police along with description, registration number of the vehicle if possible, location and time.

Larry thanked the police for sending out riders to deal with motorbike nuisance at Bellinge.

Introductions were made around the table.

Apologies were received from BM and RA.

Graeme Wilson introduced himself as the Disability lead for Northamptonshire Sport.  They were currently working as part of the Federation of Disability trying to get more disabled people active.   Northants Sport had been funded, along with Screen Northants, to produce a series of 4 films about Northamptonshire disabled people and sport.  A premier for all the films was being arranged at the Saints then they would be released on U-tube.  There was often a lot of fear, not only by the disabled person themselves, but their parents/carers as well. Sport had the added benefits of not just getting some active, but also the social side.  This came across on the films.  Graeme then showed the short film about Kascie and wheelchair rugby.  Kascie had cerebal palsy but did not need a wheelchair to get about and he was shown walking at the end of the film to help dispel the myth that wheel chair rugby was solely for those confined to a wheel chair.

Helena stated that it was a great film.  Cube were also heavily involved with sport as well, sponsoring players at the Saints including a deaf England player, NTFC player and the disability team and a cricket player.  They had also had a pro-am disability cricket day on the previous Sunday for members and their families and friends.  It was hoped to run this as an open event in future years.

Debbie reported that Northampton Filmhouse had offered to offer a relaxed showing of a film on 3 December for International Day of people with Disabilities.  The film would be the Peanut Butter Falcon, a modern Mark twain style adventure of a young man with Downs Syndrome who runs away from his care home to follow his dream of becoming a professional wrestler. It was hoped to find some funding to be able to offer reduced price tickets.

This year’s celebration event would be held on Wednesday 4 December with partners Deafconnect and the police.  The change of venue was following feedback from last year’s event.  Stand holders who had full mobility would be able to pull outside the venue to load/unload then park around the corner, leaving spaces right outside clear for those with mobility issues.  Again the event would be a mixture of information stands, activities and performances along with refreshments, including lunch.  The event would run from 11am until 3.30pm.  Further details and invites would be sent around at a later date.

Heather reported that Teamwork Trust had won a Disability Impact Award for a digital art programme and attended an event in Peterborough.  They would be holding open sessions during September and October so people could come and find out more and see if Teamwork Trust was for them.  Information has been circulated separately.  Members had been helping out Crimestoppers and Fearless by putting packs together and attending events.

Helena reported that Cube had been contacted by Lord Pickles office and had been the subject of an article in the Parliamentary Review, had attended the gala and had been asked to be a parliamentary advisory group giving people with disabilities a voice in Parliament.

Rachel stated that Sport 4 fitness were still running disability multi-sport activities along with 6 days of respite care during the summer holidays and hoped to start short mat bowls shortly.  They were based at the Pavilion at Fernie Fields.

Graham reported that the Northampton girls had won as many medals as Japan so far at the World Para Swimming Championships in London!  A campaign was being launched by Sport England called ‘We Are Undefeatable’ to inspire and support those with long-term health conditions to build physical activity into their lives.  A lot of information and promotion would be coming out.  The Inclusive Activity Programme training was still being run around the county to provide activity providers, volunteers, care workers and healthcare professionals who support disabled people know how to deliver physical activity sessions to them.  Links to both the above projects can be found below.

https://www.weareundefeatable.co.uk/

http://www.activityalliance.org.uk/how-we-help/training/inclusive-activity-programme