A charity with a base in Mansfield has launched its annual campaign to help remove any barriers that stop people with learning disabilities from keeping fit and healthy.

Reach Learning Disability is taking part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge – a national matched-funding campaign where donations to charity can be doubled for one week only.

Let’s Move, Big Give Christmas Challenge runs from 3rd to 10th December.

Mansfield resident Graham (pictured) has been attending Reach Mansfield at St John’s Centre in the town since 2021 and takes part in all 10 sessions that are on offer throughout the week.

Graham, who loves sport and drama, said: “Sport really helps with your mental health and wellbeing, and it also helps you make friends and friendships. And it gives people a purpose to what they like to do, so like following goals.”

He takes part in all of the sporting activities offered at Reach, but when asked how easy it is for people with leaning disability to access sports in the community believed there are still some barriers to overcome.

“It all depends on where you live and what is there in your area,” he added.

Sporting and fitness activities provide a great way for people with learning disabilities to improve coordination, teamwork, and social skills, as well as keep fit, but unfortunately they aren’t typically available without the support from an organisation like Reach.

Charlie, Reach Southwell Day Service lead, said: “Many of the people we support lead lives with little or no exercise. For many, the barriers are immense — living on low incomes, inaccessible local facilities, or lacking reliable transport. We are working hard to change that.”

Reach Learning Disability is aiming to raise £52,000 through its Let’s Move campaign, from 3rd to 10th December. To get involved and find out how to support the Let’s Move Christmas Campaign, go to www.reachuk.org

Reach supports people with learning disabilities to live happier, healthier lives in their community.

It said people with learning disabilities in Nottinghamshire face a higher than average risk of poor health, loneliness and social isolation.

The charity’s centres — Reach Southwell, Reach Newark, Reach Mansfield, Flower Pod, and Flower Pod Newark — offer courses, social activities, holidays, and best practice projects to find new solutions to problems.

Reach has also begun to offer high-quality accommodation options and is developing plans for the future.