During National Learning Disability Week (15th–21st June), the West Area Project is working with long-term volunteer Rich Davis to take on the 19.5 Challenge.
The inspiration behind the 19.5 challenge is a really powerful statistic - adults with a learning disability die on average 19.5 years younger than the general population. That gap is huge, and it highlights why access to health, well-being and physical activity is so important.
Across the 5 days of National Learning Disability Week (Monday-Friday) Rich will complete 5 different physical challenges:
Walk 19.5km
Row 19.5km
Cycle 19.5 miles
Swim 195 lengths at the Lenton Centre Pool.
Run 19.5km
A really important part of this challenge is making sure its inclusive. During each day, members of the West Area Project will be invited to join Rich for 19.5 minutes of the activity. The aim is to make the challenge accessible and welcoming, encourage participation in a way that feels achievable, build confidence and enjoyment through shared activity, and demonstrate that fitness can and should be inclusive.
This matters because the latest LeDer report shows that many people with a learning disability and/or autism often experience poorer health outcomes, due to preventable illnesses and premature deaths. A big part of this comes down to barriers like
Limited access to inclusive fitness opportunities
Lack of support or understanding of the importance of physical activity to good health
Fewer opportunities to stay active
The 19.5 challenge will take place in partnership with the Lenton Centre, where the West Area Project is based. All funds raised will go directly to West Area Project, helping us continue to build on our vital work at The Lenton Centre and promoting better health in the learning disability and/or autism community.
