Wheelchair users invited to join skills course

The free course at Active Leeds’s Fearnville Leisure Centre is run by not-for-profit Experience Community, and is open to wheelchair users of all abilities, from novices to those seeking to learn advanced skills.

Rik Legge, general manager at Experience Community, said: “One of the barriers that can prevent wheelchair users from being more active is confidence. If a user does not feel skilled or confident to even leave the house, then the prospect of commuting into town independently is incredibly daunting.”

The course at Fearnville Leisure Centre is peer-led by the group’s disabled staff with lived experience of wheelchair use and is designed to help build skills and gain confidence.

Starting with basic aspects such as appropriate pushing techniques and manoeuvring in tight spaces, the course then looks at more complex situations such as negotiating uneven terrain, curbs, cambers and cobbles.

William Macpherson, peer lead for the course, said: "The world is not designed for wheelchair users, so we could be talking about anything from manoeuvring techniques, right through to managing slopes, curbs and steps. Our courses have benefited individuals in many different ways, including increasing confidence to do things such as carrying objects around their own home or other spaces, leaving the house when they normally wouldn't, going to the shops independently, and spending more time outside with family and friends.”

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “Improving the confidence and skills in wheelchair users is so important. Everyone should feel able to enjoy time outdoors and with friends and family, without feeling limited by their chair. I’d encourage anyone interested to take part in the course for the next few weeks!”

The free course is running every Wednesday until 7 May at 1pm-3pm and 6pm-8pm. To book, visit: Wheelchair Skills Course - Fearnville Leisure Centre.

ENDS