A year round programme of inclusive sport and leisure activities.

Our programme engages and works with young people and adults with disabilities to increase their participation in sport.

Vivacity’s exercise services for children and young adults with disabilities focuses on more than just delivering great sporting opportunities, their aim is to develop both physical, mental and social skills in all of our sessions. Participants can expect solid support from our experienced friendly staff who help to ensure they benefit from fun, friendships and fitness. Our inclusive disability sports programme aims to build confidence, strength and long term life skills.

View more details on the Vivacity inclusive leisure webpage

Activities and Support for Disabled Children

In Peterborough there are a range of opportunities for disabled children and their families and carers to support with getting out and about, doing things and having fun.  Some are activities that disabled children can attend (with proof of diagnosis) without the need for a social care assessment and others will be following a social care assessment of need. 

Find out more about the  Activities and Support for Disabled Children | Peterborough Information Network and social care assessment of needs.

A Saturday music group for young people of all abilities

Fun, multi-sensory music making sessions for children and young people with additional needs and their families.

Each session will have a theme which they will explore through sound, music making and multi-sensory elements to maximise opportunities for participation and creativity.

Peterborough Centre for young musicians (PCYM) 'Music Inclusive' is held term time only

Saturdays

Juniors 10:30 to 11am

Seniors 11:15 to 12:15

Ormiston Bushfield Academy, Orton Centre, Peterborough.

The scheme is supported by:

• Soundabout

• Peterborough Centre for Young Musicians (PCYM)

• Peterborough Music Hub

Living Sport

Living Sport is a local charity with an objective of improving the health and wellbeing of people in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. One area of our focus is supporting people with disabilities, additional needs and long term health conditions to participate in sport and physical activity.

Get more active

There are lots of activities locally that can offer people a great experience whether that is a disability specific opportunity or a mainstream activity which is inclusive and accessible. More information can be found at: www.livingsport.co.uk

Basic principles of inclusive cycling

The Guide sets out the basic principles of inclusive cycling and features real-life case studies, technical recommendations and policy suggestions. As well as providing a comprehensive definition of inclusive cycling, the Guide has four main themes, looking at how cycle infrastructure, cycling facilities and cycle networks can be made fully accessible, and how recognition and awareness of cycling by Disabled people can be improved.

The Guide is a ‘live’ online working document which is intended to be continually updated. The latest edition replaces our original Guide, which was published in November 2017 as part of Wheels for Wellbeing’s 10th birthday celebrations.

The Guide to Inclusive Cycling can be downloaded for free here

Adapted Cycling

Adapted cycles make cycling accessible to all, whatever your personal challenges. There are a wide range of special cycles that suit people with a variety of learning and physical disabilities, as well as health issues. Here is a brief overview of what bikes are available.

This information is available on the Cycling UK website on the adapted cycling webpage

H.A.Y. (How are you) Peterborough are bringing together everything in Peterborough that promotes positive mental health. From a friendly ‘how are you’, to activity groups and much more.

Visit the How Are You Peterborough website for more information

Travel assistance

Travel assistance is not automatically given because a child has an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan, and many children with special educational needs and disabilities travel to school without special provision.

However, some children with specific needs will require additional support, often for an agreed period of time and in such cases we will arrange transport to meet the specific needs of the students.  This might include various forms of transport including public transport, taxi, minibus, wheelchair accessible vehicle and bus/coach.

See our school transport page for more information.

Independent travel

As part of a young person's transition to adulthood, it is hoped that as many young people with special educational needs and disabilities will have started to travel independently by the time they reach college age.

However, many young people will still require special provision or support for their travel as a result of their needs. In such cases we will arrange transport to meet the specific needs of the students, and this might include various forms of transport including public transport, taxi, minibus, wheelchair accessible vehicle and bus/coach.

See our school transport page for more information.

Concessionary Bus pass, Community Link and Dial-A-Ride service

• If you live in an urban area of Peterborough you may use the Community Link bus service.

• You can apply for a concessionary bus pass from Travelchoice

• If you live in a rural area of Peterborough you may use the Dial-A-Ride service.

Journey assistance cards and bus passes

Stagecoach produce Journey Assistance Cards for you to use if you need a bit more help when using the bus. They make it easier for you to let their bus drivers know what extra help you need. You can use your cards any time of the day, seven days a week, on any of their bus services.

You can apply for Journey Assistance Cards if you have limited vision or hearing, difficulty in communication, special educational needs or if English is not your first language.  Or maybe you just need extra time or help to find a seat.

Types of Journey Assistance Cards

Their Journey Assistance Cards have been developed with their trade body, the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT).

The cards available are:

• please be patient, I am deaf
• please be patient, I am visually impaired
• please be patient, I have difficulty speaking
• please be patient, I am hard of hearing
• please speak slowly and face me to help me hear better
• please scan my pass for me
• please count my change for me 

National Rail enquiries

National Rail Enquiries provide information on support that is available.

Access information for our local train companies

Access information for our local train companies can be found below:

Great Northern

London North Eastern Railway

Cross Country

16-25 Railcard

People with a 16-25 Railcard save on average £189 per year*, and the Railcard typically pays for itself within 3 journeys.

• 1/3 off rail travel
• Just £30 for 1 year or £70 for 3 years
• For everyone aged 16-25 and mature students

Disabled Persons Railcard Discounts

If you have a disability, you may be eligible for a Disabled Persons Railcard which give 1/3 off train travel.

If you do not have a Railcard and you are blind or partially sighted and travelling with a companion, or if you use a wheelchair, you can get a discount on Anytime tickets.

Trainline

Trainline is Europe’s leading train and coach app. They work with 270 rail and coach companies to offer our customers travel to thousands of destinations in and across 45 countries in Europe. Their aim is to bring together all rail, coach and other travel services into one simple experience so people can get the best prices and smart, real-time travel info on the go.

Trainline also offers information on accessibility on trains and how to book travel assistance. 

Great Northern Trains ‘Try a Train' events 

Great Northern Trains hold regular events call: Our ‘Try a Train' events which provide an ideal opportunity for those who lack confidence travelling by train to visit our stations and to experience a train journey.

During the event, Great Northern Trains tailor the agenda to the group’s specific needs and area of interest.

A typical ‘Try a Train’ consists of.

• Introduction to the station layout including car parking and onward travel.
• Various station facilities
• Overview of ticketing options & sources of information
• Meet the local station manager and station teams.
• A chance to sample a train journey to a relevant destination of interest.

Here is more information, as well as other useful sites such as support available while you travel:

Great Northern - Try a train (greatnorthernrail.com) and Support whilst you're travelling | Great Northern Railway

Driving Modifications

Many people with a disability drive.  There are various modifications that can be designed to help make your driving or travelling experience as comfortable as possible, depending on your needs.

If you are looking to start learning to drive, the disability driving instructors website has an online register of specialist driving instructors for people with physical disabilities, special educational needs and those with hearing difficulties. The website also has advice on how to start to learn to drive, how to return to driving after an accident or illness and how to keep driving safely.who need advice about driving.  You can find out more on www.disabilitydrivinginstructors.com

Detailed access information to thousands of UK venues

AccessAble  is a website where you can find detailed access information to thousands of venues across the UK and the Republic of Ireland: shops, pubs, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, railway stations, hotels, universities, hospitals and more.

Taxi's licenced to carry wheelchairs

The following vehicles are approved by the council (the Licensing Authority) to be licensed as Hackney Carriage Vehicles:

• LTI
• TX1
• TX2
• TX4
• Metro Triple T
• Mercedes-Benz Vito
• Peugeot E7 SE and XS short wheelbase models.

Vehicles offered for Hackney Carriage are constructed in a way as to allow the carriage of disabled persons and will accommodate as a minimum a disabled person.

From 6 April 2017 drivers of taxis and private hire vehicles designated by the local licensing authority as being wheelchair accessible must comply with the requirements of Section 165 of the Equality Act 2010, unless they have been issued with an exemption certificate. (See paragraph on Exemptions for taxi drivers below)

You can read the statutory guidance on access for wheelchair users to taxis and private hire vehicles on the government website.

If you have any questions or for more information contact customer services. 

Exemptions for taxi drivers

The Equality Act allows for exemptions from the duties on medical grounds or if the driver's physical condition makes it impossible or unreasonably difficult for him or her to comply with these duties.

It is the responsibility of drivers who require an exemption to apply for one by contacting  for an application form to be sent to you.

When submitting your completed form, you will be required to provide evidence from your Medical Practitioner supporting your application and substantiating the medical reasons applicable to your request.

Based on the evidence provided we will determine if a you should be exempted from these duties. If approved, we will issue you with an Exemption Certificate, and an Exemption Notice to display prominently in the vehicle.

Your application will be determined by the Licensing Manager, and if successful you will be issued with the relevant Exemption Certificate and the Exemption Notice to display within the vehicle.

You can appeal to the magistrates' court within 28 days if we decide not to issue you with an Exemption Certificate.

Stansted airport

Requesting assistance

How to request special assistance if you're travelling from or into London Stansted Airport

Departing from London Stansted Airport

Information about your departure from the airport.

Assistance at security

If you need extra assistance while you're at the airport, we have a dedicated team to help you.

Facilities and services

Facilities and services available for those requiring assistance when travelling through the airport.

Arriving at the airport

Enjoying a smooth journey through the airport when you arrive back at London Stansted Airport.

Hidden disabilities

Supporting passengers who may have hidden or invisible disabilities.

Travel and public transport

Options for travelling to the airport by public transport if you require assistance.

The Sunflower scheme - Support for passengers with invisible disabilities

London Stansted is pleased to be one of a number of UK Airports using the Sunflower scheme. By wearing our Airport Awareness Sunflower lanyard or floret, it will discreetly indicate to our staff that you have a hidden disability and would like additional support. Our staff have been specially trained to recognise these identifiers and act accordingly by providing you with extra help you may need during your journey through the terminal. To pick up a lanyard or floret at London Stansted Airport, please go to either our Information Desk located in the International Arrivals or the assistance desk in zone A. Alternatively, you can use your Sunflower lanyard obtained from one of the UK airports in the scheme. 

London Luton Airport

Advice for customers with physical disabilities

London Luton Airport is fully committed to ensuring that it's Persons od reduced mobility customers have the best possible experience when travelling.

We are working in partnership with The Disability Resource Centre Dunstable, The National Autism Society (Hertfordshire Branch), the RNIB, the Phoenix Group, Luton Dementia Action Alliance and independent disability advocates & travellers to help us do this.

Follow this link to find out all the information you need to know

Advice for customers with non-physical disabilities

In collaboration with the National Autistic Society, we’ve put together some advice to help you and your companions get around the airport.

Wheelchair services

The wheelchair service is for residents currently registered with a GP in the NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterboroug areas, and who meet the NHS Eligibility criteria for the provision of wheelchairs.

AJM Healthcare is the appointed NHS Wheelchair Service Provider.

The service will provide you with all NHS wheelchair services, including:

◦ clinical assessments

◦ specialist seating

◦ delivery

◦ repairs and maintenance

◦ collection when the wheelchair is no longer required

You can self-refer into the service if you are already in the system, or be referred by a qualified healthcare professional, who will send you a letter or call you to let you know if you meet the NHS eligibility criteria for a wheelchair assessment.

A wheelchair assessment establishes your clinical needs and a prescription is made for the right wheelchair for you.

Your assessment will take place at our wheelchair clinic in Huntingdon, or at home or another appropriate location, i.e. school or health care setting.

Get discounted or free entry to a range of leisure options

Did you know that as a parent or carer of a child with special educational or disabilities, you may be able to get discounted or free entry to a range of leisure options?

You may also find that you can skip lengthy queues.  Not all attractions will advertise their discounts, so don't be afraid to ask!  You will need to have with you evidence of disability - a copy of your award letter for Disability Living Allowance for example.  

Special needs clothing

Getting dressed can be a battleground when your child has special needs. But the good news is that retailers are waking up to this, with growing numbers of innovative options.

For those with sensory difficulties, it may be itchy fabric, annoying seams, irritating tags and socks that drive children wild (and eventually barefoot).

For those with dyspraxia or physical disabilities, the buttons, zips, laces and fiddly hooks can make them frustrated and angry when they can’t dress themselves like other children of their age.

Thankfully, stalwarts of the kids’ catwalk like Marks and Spencer and Clarks understand this, and the market opportunity it presents them with, and they have started producing lines with special needs in mind.

Find out more details about Onesies, socks, underwear, Tshirts and undergarments etc 

Easy On Easy Wear clothing at Asda for kids with autism and additional needs

George at Asda is the first supermarket retailer in the UK to offer a clothing range specifically designed for children with specific or sensory-sensitive needs such as autism.

Blue badge

Information on the Blue Badge Parking Scheme locally and how to apply for a Blue Badge

can be found on the Blue Badge Parking Scheme page.