David Lloyd Leisure at Westminster debate on young disabled people

David Lloyd Leisure (www.davidlloyd.co.uk), Europe’s premier health, sport and leisure group, has taken part in the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Young Disabled People at Westminster to discuss access to exercise.

The company was among fitness industry representatives invited to

Credit: Jupiterimages

Credit: Jupiterimages

the meeting on October 23, which also included representatives from the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign Trailblazers, a national network of 500 young disabled people who campaign on social issues that affect them.

Issues discussed included adapted gym equipment for disabled people, gym access for carers and disability awareness training of staff.

Caleb Brown, David Lloyd Leisure’s mandatory training manager, said: “We are very pleased to have been asked to take part in this meeting to discuss important issues for young disabled people. David Lloyd Leisure has worked very hard in this area; we carry out regular access audits to ensure our facilities fully comply with the Equality Act 2010 and continuously seek to improve disabled access across our 91 clubs.

“However, we also recognise that it is not merely physical barriers that can cause difficulties. We provide free access to personal assistants and carers of disabled members and our staff attend disability awareness courses as part of their basic training, to understand the challenges our disabled members may face and ensure their needs are met.

“Furthermore, we frequently highlight the sporting and fitness achievements of our disabled members, with the aim of encouraging and motivating others while demonstrating that our facilities and services are fully inclusive.”

Paul Maynard MP, chair of the APPG for Young Disabled People, said: “I was very pleased that David Lloyd Leisure took part in this investigation.  With serious players in the exercise sector taking part it adds weight to any findings.  I want to thank all those who took part, including the team from David Lloyd Leisure; it has meant a lot to me and to all the young disabled people within the group and in public at large.”

Muscular Dystrophy Campaign Trailblazers project manager Tanvi Vyas said: ‘The APPG was a productive discussion for both Trailblazers and industry representatives about the issues young disabled people face and has provided ideas to improve the accessibility of the whole industry.”

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