Creating opportunities for disabled leaders to get their communities active

Written by Ryan Dunn on

Ryan moved in with Sense in 2020. He battled with anxiety during the Covid-19 lockdowns but found that by putting on events to bring people together, he could feel a lot better in himself.

Now, Ryan, who has learning disabilities, helps lead the Sense Active programme for his whole community – he’s a natural leader and an inspiration to anyone looking to get active!

Ryan is sat on a sofa, in a relaxed position with his arm over the chair. He is laughing happily.
Ryan enjoying a trip out with other people from his Sense residential building.

I’m a people person. I like helping others. Leading Sense activities brings people together, and I know how much of a difference that can make.

I had really bad anxiety at one point, but that was before the Sense Active sessions. Now it doesn’t get so bad. Getting people together for the activities helped a lot – it’s helped me to know that I can help others. That makes me feel good about myself.

Spending time with other people helped my mental health

During the first lockdown, I decided to start putting on activity classes in the garden for all the residents in our building. Instead of being stuck in our flats all day, I wanted us to get together and try something new.

It was really fun; we did dance classes, quizzes, art sessions and, when the nights were warm enough, we’d just sit out in the garden together until late. Everyone appreciated it, which was great for me because I just wanted to see people enjoying themselves.

Ryan has a dart in his left hand. His arm is bent at a ninety degree angle, getting ready to throw the dart. He is smiling widely.

After that, I picked up the leadership role for Sense Active really naturally. I wanted to make sure the other people in my building got to do the activities, so I’d pass on information about it and remind people it was coming up.

I also helped Jake, who runs the programme in our area, to know what we all liked doing so we can get more opportunities to do things.

We’ve done skiing, bowling, tennis – which was really fun – and we’ve been to the zoo. There are loads of different ways to be active. Sometimes people aren’t sure about coming along. I always talk to them about it. I say, “Give it a go. I can support you on the day if you need me.” And sometimes I will; I’ll go in the taxi with someone or just be there for them on the day.

I want people to take part and feel good – because it does feel good when we all come together to do something a bit different.

I know how it feels to be nervous about trying something new. After the lockdown, I didn’t go out for ages. My anxiety was really bad. It took time for me to readjust, but I know that spending time with other people really helped. So now I want other people to always have that opportunity.

When we get there and I see the smiles on everyone’s faces, it’s really nice. It helps me to feel good in myself.

Feeling involved and valued as a leader

I’d say to anyone thinking about becoming a leader, give it a go. It makes you feel good, you know, so everyone should try it – everyone should have the option to give it a go. It’s a really nice feeling of responsibility. You feel involved and valued.

Ryan is stood behind a woman, helping her to bowl. She is using a ramp to push the ball down, as Ryan holds it in place.
Ryan supporting one of his peers during a Sense Active outing to a bowling alley.

These activities are really good. They get everyone out and give people a chance to try new skills and make friends. Afterwards, you know you can do things that maybe you didn’t think you could before.

We invite lots of people; friends and family come too. It’s opened up our community. Within the building, we’re all a lot closer now. It’s team building. I get a lot out of seeing people happy. I’ve got a lot of confidence from it; it gives me a really heartwarming sense of achievement.

Become a Sense Active leader

Putting himself out there and taking on a leadership role has been a validating experience for Ryan. Connecting with others and experiencing the joy that shared activities can bring helped improve his mental health.

Sense research has shown that disabled people with complex needs have higher average rates of anxiety when compared with non-disabled people. Sense Active wants to support more people to overcome anxiety and loneliness, and to enjoy a rich and active life.

If you are interested in becoming a disabled leader, please contact [email protected] for more information.