Thinking about taking up a new hobby or learning a new skill this year? A Motability Scheme car, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), scooter or powered wheelchair can be a huge help. It’ll give you opportunities near and far from home, so you can broaden your horizons.
A new year means lots of us are looking for new ways to develop our body and mind. This could mean meeting up with friends in your local community for a bit of yoga. Or doing something more active, like surfing or wheelchair rugby.
The Every Body Moves website, powered by Toyota, has lots of information and ideas to help you get started. It’s a fresh campaign to connect disabled people with more opportunities to get active than ever before.
As a simple first step, you could try one of their home workouts or search for an activity near you. Or if you’re not sure what you want to do, explore their ‘What shall I do?’ page to learn about different disability sports.
You could also check out WheelPower, a national charity for wheelchair sport. They have a range of sports and activities. They also host online classes and organise sports festivals and charity challenges throughout the year.
Achieving new goals is also beneficial for your mental wellbeing. Consultant clinical psychologist, Dr Sally Austen says:
“Hobbies can provide much-needed structure in our lives. The routines and rituals associated with hobbies aid contentment. The process of learning something new at whatever age and at whatever level is good for our brain function.”
Looking to try something a little different?
Learning a new sport can be a great way to get or stay fit. Here are a few ideas to help you get a little more daring.
Whether you’re looking for fitness, adrenaline, or a new social circle, these activities offer incredible opportunities to get involved, be inspired, and have fun.
Accessible go karting
Lots lots of places offer karts with hand controls. And trained staff, ready to help you.
Some even have simulators with hand controls, to let you experience high-speed thrills in a fully inclusive environment. Contact your local karting venue to check what they have.
Or if you’re already a pro behind the wheel, look at our partner Team BRIT’s the route to racing page.
Wheelchair basketball
Image: A team playing wheelchair basketball at The Big Event
This is a fun and inclusive sport for everyone, whether you use a wheelchair or not. It’s a perfect activity to enjoy with friends and family.
Visit the British Wheelchair Basketball website, then find a club near you.
Scottish Disability Sports
Scottish Disability Sports (SDS) has nine Regional Development Managers (RDMs), across 32 locations in Scotland. They’re ready to support and connect you with opportunities in your local area.
They work with local clubs, schools and other organisations to help disabled people take part in sport and physical activity.
Whatever your background, experience, ability or disability they believe there’s a sport out there for you.
Image: A team member playing Boccia
Boccia
This is one of the most inclusive sports in the world. It’s mainly for disabled people, but anyone can do it.
There are 40 boccia opportunities around Scotland, in 13 local authorities. They’ll support you, whether you want to play, coach or officiate in the sport.
If you’re interested, contact the SDS staff. Or if you just want more information, email Jonathan Kennedy, Boccia Development Officer, at jonathan.kennedy@scottishdisabilitysport.com.
How you can make the most of your Scheme vehicle
The Scheme gives you a new level of freedom, and the opportunity to explore new places and take on new challenges.
You can use your Scheme vehicle to get out and explore the world more. There are plenty of ideas for accessible days out on our website, with accessibility information.
You can also use our The Rough Guide to Accessible Britain as inspiration. It has over 200 reviews, so you can enjoy your daily dose of discovery with the peace of mind that your next day out will be lots of fun.
Prefer to study? The new year is a great time to sign up to a new course. Your Scheme vehicle can help you get there and back, with plenty of space for your course material or laptop.
Whether it’s a new hobby, sport or learning a new skill, expanding your horizons can give you greater focus and a new sense of purpose. And that can be very good for both your physical and mental health.
Make sure it’s lots of fun
When you’re trying a new activity, it’s important to find something you enjoy, not something you feel you ‘should’ do.
When we do something for fun, even if it’s improving us in some way, we’re much more likely to stick with it and get more out of it.
Spend some time thinking about what you might enjoy and let your imagination run free. Sometimes planning can be as much fun as doing the activity.
Interested in joining the Scheme?
What is the Motability Scheme?
If you receive a qualifying mobility allowance you can use it to lease a car, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), scooter or powered wheelchair on the Scheme.
You’ll get a brand new, reliable vehicle, and an all-inclusive package. That means we cover your insurance, servicing, breakdown and maintenance.
See how it works or ask us for a free information pack if you want to learn more.
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