New Research Reveals ‘Shocking Neglect’ Of Disabled People’s Health In The UK

As the Paralympic Games begins in Paris, experts have said the health and wellbeing of disabled people in the UK is being “shockingly neglected”, in response to findings, published today, by the national disability charity, Sense.

A poll of more than a thousand adults with complex disabilities in the UK, reveals four in five (81 per cent) do less than 150 minutes of physical activity a week, with more than a third (36 per cent) getting less than 30 minutes. The NHS recommends that adults aged 19 to 64 get at least 150 minutes of physical activity a week to help maintain physical and mental health, with those doing less than 30 minutes classed as ‘inactive’.

The results mean around 1.3 million people with complex disabilities in the UK are not active enough to be healthy.

Nearly half (46 per cent) of those quizzed said they wanted to be more active to boost their physical and mental wellbeing but were prevented from doing so due to societal barriers. Inaccessible venues and transportation, as well as a lack of skilled staff to support disabled people, were highlighted as significant barriers by nearly a third of respondents. More than a quarter (26 per cent) highlighted the lack of information on inclusive sport opportunities

Greg Whyte, former Olympian and Professor of Applied Sport and Exercise Science at Liverpool John Moore’s University, has condemned the findings, stating that disabled people’s health is being “shockingly neglected”.

Professor Whyte pointed out being physically active, at a level that best suits each person’s individual needs and abilities, improves people’s physical, mental, emotional and social health – and can help reduce pressure on the NHS and social care as a result. He has called for change.

Greg Whyte, Professor of Applied Sport and Exercise Science at Liverpool John Moore’s University, said:
“The health of people with complex disabilities is being shockingly neglected. It’s indefensible that four out of five are not active enough to be healthy and the barriers stopping them, like inaccessible exercise venues or a lack of trained coaching staff, are completely unacceptable.

“What we are seeing is quite simply mass disability neglect at a time we are focused on elite disability sport. As we’re gearing up for the Paralympics, it would appear that authorities are pretending to care without a strategy to ensure that sport is truly for all.

“Simple changes, like training staff, fitting ramps or improving transport, could have a profoundly positive effect on disabled people’s physical health and resistance to illnesses like heart disease, cancer, diabetes and stroke. There are huge mental, emotional and social health benefits too, leading to improved quality of life.

“And by reducing pressure and costs to the NHS and social care, the whole of society will benefit.”

Alissa Ayling, Head of Sense Active, the charity’s sport and physical activity programme, said:
“Sense wants everyone to have the chance to be active in a way that’s meaningful for them and we see on a daily basis how much that can boost people’s physical and mental wellbeing.

“That so many people are getting less exercise than they need to be healthy is incredibly disappointing, but sadly not surprising. There’s a lot of work to be done to ensure being active really is for everyone.

“Disabled people experience many barriers to exercising, from inaccessible sports venues and transport to a lack of an upskilled workforce and closures of local facilities. But if there’s enough determination to break down the barriers, it will happen.”

Photo Credit:

(Daisy Copp surfing, Credit Ben Birchall/ Sense)

(Daisy Copp standing on her surfboard, Credit Jenny Copp/Sense)