Meeting the leisure needs of young people with a learning disability from South Asian communities

Abstract

Young people with a learning disability from black and minority ethnic communities experience barriers in accessing leisure services. The Aawaaz project gave young people with a learning disability from South Asian communities in Bradford the chance to consult with their peers, parents and service providers about shaping the kind of leisure services that they want and need. Executive summary This project was conducted over a period of 18 months using an action research methodology and participatory research model. This involved recruiting seven young people with a learning disability from South Asian communities and enabling them to participate in this research as co researchers through research training, facilitation and support. With the help of the researcher assistant, the co researchers conducted focus group discussions involving other South Asian young people with a learning disability. The aim of the focus group discussions was to hear the views of other young people in relation to their leisure interests and needs. This was followed by focus group discussions with parents and carers of young people with a learning disability to hear their views about their children’s access to and usage of leisure services. In the final phase of the project, we organised five meetings with the coresearchers and key service providers who are responsible for leisure in Bradford. The theme of these meetings was to engage in dialogue and discussion about the leisure needs of young people with a learning disability from South Asian communities and identify an appropriate action plan for how to shape and develop culturally sensitive services. This report was commissioned by Mencap and funded by the National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund(formerly the Community Fund)