All too often the focus of support for disabled people is on meeting the basics of life; a roof over your head, food in your tummy, being clean and warm and a job for those who can work. But there is so much more to life and SG DEN believes that disabled people should be able to participate in any leisure activity which takes their interest.

For some years there has been attention on disabled people’s involvement in the Arts. Graeae Theatre has a national reputation http://www.graeae.org/ and locally the Misfits http://misfitstheatre.com/ have a growing reputation. It’s not just in the theatre that disabled people have been active Candoco Dance Company http://www.candoco.co.uk/ is well respected in the field of dance. Numerous disabled artists work in other mediums, Artists First http://www.artistsfirst.org.uk/ is a group of local artists with learning difficulties who hold regular exhibitions.

Since the huge success of the London Paralympics disabled athletes are respected for their sporting prowess rather than simply bravely overcoming their disability.

Whether you plan to become a Paralympian or simply want to meet others with a shared interest in breeding budgerigars we believe that disabled people should have the opportunity to follow their leisure interests.

What’s on in South Gloucestershire?

This website can never hope to have a comprehensive round-up of leisure activities available in South Gloucestershire. For general information about what is available we suggest three sources of information:

• South Gloucestershire Council website Leisure and Culture section http://www.southglos.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/
• The Well Aware website http://www.wellaware.org.uk/
• Your local library

South Gloucestershire Council’s website also have a special section on sports for disabled people which anyone interested in taking up physical activity might find helpful http://www.southglos.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/sports-clubs-and-centres/disabled-sports/