Inclusion project: visit to MoveUrmston sports centre in Trafford

Our staff Kate and Michelle recently visited MoveUrmston in Trafford to discuss the barriers that deaf people face using leisure facilities, and to suggest changes that can be made to improve access. 

We were warmly welcomed by Trafford Leisure’s Health and Wellbeing Manager, Carly, and the team at MoveUrmston, and very much enjoyed looking around the centre.

We were able to share the results of our survey earlier this year, which provided evidence about the different barriers that deaf people experience, and the key improvements that they would like to see. 

This was used a focus for the discussion and our tour of the centre. Topics that we covered included:

• Communication – the need for basic BSL and deaf awareness for staff, video relay option for live communication, QR code to access BSL versions of important info, written information in plain English.
• Gym, Swim and Exercise classes – need for deaf-accessible options eg deaf or BSL-using personal trainers and exercise instructors.
• Health and Safety – need for flashing fire alarms.

Following the visit, Carly said:

‘The visit proved extremely beneficial to us and we will definitely utilise the feedback to support our commitment to inclusion across the business.’

We look forward to continuing the conversation with Carly and the team at MoveUrmston, and we will share further updates later in the year.

For more on MoveUrmston visit: https://twmove.co.uk/

This visit took place as part of our Inclusion Grant project, which is piloting a method of bringing deaf people into conversation with mainstream providers to improve deaf access to the services and opportunities they provide. The funding for this project has been given by the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership via GMCVO.