New physical activity guidelines for disabled children and young people

The UK Chief Medical Officer has recently published physical activity guidelines for disabled children and young people.

So, the Healthy4Life team has reviewed the new guidance and provided some inspiration for fun ways disabled children and young people can be active in North Tyneside.

Getting disabled children and young people active is about equality, inclusivity, having fun, and finding activities that make them feel good, and staying active is just as important! But what are the benefits of physical activity?

  • Better mental health

  • A sense of achievement

  • Confidence and concentration

  • Meeting new people

  • Feeing calmer, less stressed

  • Balance and coordination

  • Development of muscles and motor skills

What is the right amount?

If you are new to activity and exercise, start slow and build up slowly. You could try 20 minutes per day – that’s all it takes for great health benefits.

You could even try to do bite sized chunks throughout the day if this makes it easier, five minutes here, five minutes there – the small amounts all add up!

Try to do strength and balance activities three times per week, these should be challenging but manageable.

Here are eight ways disabled children and young people in North Tyneside could meet the new physical activity guidelines:

You can find more information on North Tyneside’s Local Offer, which provides information for children and young people (from birth to 25 years) with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) and their families here.

Admin North Tyneside CouncilNews