An inspirational group of volunteers has taken steps to make Leeds a better place for people with learning disabilities by organising a digitally-friendly walk in the great outdoors.
The walk was planned and hosted by members of the ‘Positive Changes’ group, which was set up last year by national charity The Royal Mencap Society to identify ways to improve the city for anyone with a learning disability.
Through a series of group sessions, members came up with two priorities they wanted to tackle – encouraging their community to get outdoors more and reducing digital exclusion.
The walk aimed to address both issues at once and saw over 70 people from across the city, most with learning disabilities, visit Cross Flatts Park in south Leeds to enjoy the scenery and try some digital technology.
“National research shows people with learning disabilities are more likely to be affected by long term health conditions than other members of the public. And we know things are becoming more digital first such as health care and support.
“But also, more importantly, it’s being able to use digital technology as a social tool, to engage with other people, including members of their own community.
Matt Bellbrough, Royal Mencap’s Community Partner for Leeds
Matt Bellbrough, Royal Mencap’s Community Partner for Leeds, said: “The event was a massive success. We had little booths for people to have a go at some tech. And during the walk we had some tablets that people were having a go on, such as taking photos.
“We’re hoping to make it a regular event now so will be arranging more throughout the year.”
For the event, the ‘Positive Changes’ group partnered up with 100% Digital Leeds, a Leeds City Council-led initiative which aims to make the city digitally inclusive for everyone.
Matt said ensuring the learning disability community is confident with digital technology is “hugely” important.
“National research shows people with learning disabilities are more likely to be affected by long term health conditions than other members of the public. And we know things are becoming more digital first such as health care and support.
“But also, more importantly, it’s being able to use digital technology as a social tool, to engage with other people, including members of their own community.
“We are looking at using different social apps to create a little activity at the next walk, like a treasure hunt.”
Matt said he believes helping people to digitally problem-solve will ultimately boost their digital confidence.
“The truth is some people who come to us do have some level of skill – particularly the volunteers – but definitely wouldn’t identify themselves as being particularly digitally confident.
“But if you can learn basic problem solving, then people can self-learn and develop their own skills and independence.”
Matt said, during the group sessions, the volunteers also identified key “rules” for how to make walks friendly for those with learning disabilities.
“One was for it to be short, so not more than 45 minutes and one was to have a place for a toilet or a café. Another was for the walks to be as flat as possible,” he said – with this and all future walks aiming to fit this ideal.
Matt said: “Crucially the whole idea stemmed from people with learning disabilities. They came up with all of this themselves. It is completely member-led.
“They are the ones who said this is what they felt is very much needed, especially post-pandemic, as a way of trying to encourage people – maybe who have lost a bit of confidence with going outdoors and appreciating the green spaces in Leeds – get out and utilise those green spaces and feel confident doing so.”
Matt thanked Nicky Lines of Pyramid of Arts, who works on the 100% Digital Leeds project and the Hamara organisation in Hunslet, which supported the event. The Yamsen Choir also performed on the day.
Matt and the project’s ‘community connectors’, Robert Stephens and Maisie Hirschhorn, are currently planning the next event, to take place in August.
The ‘Positive Changes’ group is part of a nationwide project by Royal Mencap called ‘My Community’ which is also delivered in cities such as Hull and Bristol.
To see more of what the Positive Changes group are doing in Leeds, visit their YouTube Channel where the volunteers pass on a skill to other people.
Going for a walk in the park can have great benefits for everyone, no matter what age we are. Visit our Connect with nature section to learn about the many wellbeing benefits of visiting the outdoors, links to help you find your local park and ideas for other activities and groups in Leeds.
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