Learning disabilities the programme. For example, instead of moving on quickly to harder exercises, I recommended repeating and simplifying some of the moves, so they were more manageable and inclusive.
Learning disabilities the programme. For example, instead of moving on quickly to harder exercises, I recommended repeating and simplifying some of the moves, so they were more manageable and inclusive.
Every single participant voted that they wanted the‘ I Like to Move It Move It’ health initiative to carry on – and we share that hope that it will indeed continue, provided that the required funding is available and that we continue to learn and make improvements.
We also plan to look at arranging for participants to get together with staff support to attend sessions relating to healthy lifestyle issues.
The feedback we received about how the health initiative affected the participants was overwhelmingly positive – it was truly humbling to hear.
I want to end by quoting one of the psychologists who was working with a participant, who told us:‘ I’ ve noticed positive improvements in their confidence, motivation and their generally more positive outlook since starting as part of the group. They are both happy with the progress made, in terms of weight and fitness, and proud of themselves for attending and staying engaged.
‘ Given their background of repeated disengagements from activities, this is a huge step. Their healthcare support team has been very explicit that the positive and consistent support they are receiving from the facilitators is what’ s made them feel comfortable to continue attending. Overall, a very positive impact on them.’
And so, with that, let all of us move it, move it!
© miodrag ignjatovic via Getty Images
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Words NAOMI BURKE, Occupational Therapist, formerly working within Camden Learning Disability Service, as part of Band 5 rotations with the Whittington NHS Trust. Naomi has recently started a new position as a Band 6 Occupational Therapist in the Harringay Learning Disability Partnership Team
September 2025 OTnews 31