NEWS
FUNDING BOOST FOR DOWN’S SYNDROME ASSOCIATION’S
SPORTS PROGRAMME The Down’s Syndrome Association’s (DSA) DSActive clubs have been given a £19,000 cash injection by insurance provider Simplyhealth.
The DSActive sports programme for children and adults with Down’s syndrome is run nationally by the DSA.
The scheme was introduced to enable people with Down’s syndrome to access sport and exercise to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle.
This £19,000 grant will allow for the development of six additional tennis and football clubs around the country.
LGBT PEOPLE FACE DISCRIMINATION AS THEY DIE, SAYS MARIE CURIE REPORT
74% of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people are not confident that health and social care services provide sensitive end of life care for their needs, according to research published by Marie Curie.
The survey found that LGBT people often experience delays accessing the care they need and are more likely to experience unmanaged symptoms and pain at the end of their lives.
The new report from the terminal illness charity, ‘Hiding who I am: Exposing the reality of end of life care for LGBT people’, explores the barriers that prevent LGBT people from accessing end of life care.
The report draws on interviews with LGBT people living with a terminal illness, and their partners, by the University of Nottingham and King’s College London.
It includes examples of indirect and direct discrimination, including a
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The funds will also enable the DSActive clubs to receive training and support in their initial set-up stages.
Carol Boys, Chief Executive of the DSA said: “DSActive is making a real difference to the lives of children and adults who participate in the sports programme.
“DSActive not only helps with well- being, it provides the participants with a valuable opportunity to meet like-minded people and improve their self-confidence. Simplyhealth has an amazing tradition of charitable support and we really appreciate that they have supported us again with the generous grant for DSActive.”
Sarah Ford, Chair of Simplyhealth Charitable Committee commented: "It's clear that the DSActive clubs
dying lady whose doctor refused to see her without a chaperone because she was a lesbian.
Many people interviewed said they felt anxious about having to hide who they are when accessing end of life care, with one in four experiencing discrimination from health and social care professionals in their lifetime.
Others feared ‘outing’ themselves to care professionals, having grown up at a time when being gay was illegal.
Scott Sinclair, Head of Policy and Public Affairs for England, at Marie Curie said: “No one should have to hide who they are at the end of their lives. If LGBT people are not confident about services, or have experienced discrimination from healthcare providers in the past, they may not feel able to be open about themselves and the people who are important to them – factors that are all crucial to dying well.
“Learning about the prejudice LGBT people experience as they are dying, when they are at their most vulnerable, is deeply saddening.”
Hannah Kibirige, Head of Policy, at Stonewall said: “Lesbian, gay,
bi and trans people in later life often experience specific forms of discrimination that go unnoticed by others around them. Often older LGBT people are extremely vulnerable, particular if in care or terminally ill, and so it’s vital that healthcare staff are aware of the experiences they face. It is a great step to see Marie Curie address this in their research and we hope that the findings go on to effect practical and positive change for lesbian, gay, bi and trans people.”
It is estimated that more than 40,000 LGBT people die each year in the UK.
Findings also suggest that a significant number miss out on the care and support they need, despite experiencing higher rates of life-threatening diseases than the national average.
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mean so much to many children and families across the UK. We're delighted to be able to fund six additional football and tennis clubs which will help people with Down's Syndrome to maintain healthy lifestyles, whilst importantly, having lots of fun!"
Charlton Upbeats, a member of the DSActive programme and an avid football player, commented: “The coaches are brill, they’re fantastic; they make me feel proud and lovely when I play football. I really like football so much.”
Since the launch of the DSActive
programme the charity has reported many participants have significantly improved their weight management and fitness along with their self- confidence, social awareness and self-esteem.
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