Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question? Find quick answers about our sessions & events, volunteering, accessibility, and more.
Register Your Interest
Who can take part in Disability4Sport sessions and events?
Our sessions and events are open to individuals with disabilities and special educational needs of all ages and abilities.
We are committed to creating inclusive, safe, and supportive environments where everyone feels welcome and able to take part, regardless of experience or ability level.
Are your sessions and events free to attend?
Many of our sessions and events are either free or heavily subsidised, thanks to the support of local funding, grants, fundraising, and our partners.
Where there is a cost, it helps to cover venue hire, staffing, and equipment. Any fees will always be clearly communicated in advance.
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Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, we recommend booking in advance using the “Register Your Interest” buttons on our Activities & Events page.
To ensure we can provide the right support, participants are not able to attend sessions without booking in advance.
Once you’ve registered your interest, our team will be in touch to complete the full registration process and arrange a taster session
Yes, we recommend booking in advance using the “Register Your Interest” buttons on our Activities & Events page.
To ensure we can provide the right support, participants are not able to attend sessions without booking in advance.
Once you’ve registered your interest, our team will be in touch to complete the full registration process and arrange a taster session
Journey from Booking to attending an Activity
Yes, we recommend booking in advance using the “Register Your Interest” buttons on our Activities & Events page.
To ensure we can provide the right support, participants are not able to attend sessions without booking in advance.
Once you’ve registered your interest, our team will be in touch to complete the full registration process and arrange a taster session
Yes, we recommend booking in advance using the “Register Your Interest” buttons on our Activities & Events page.
To ensure we can provide the right support, participants are not able to attend sessions without booking in advance.
Once you’ve registered your interest, our team will be in touch to complete the full registration process and arrange a taster session
Location & Contact
Where do your activities and events take place?
Most of our sessions and events take place across Colchester, Tendring, and surrounding areas.
We also deliver activities across North Essex from time to time, depending on programmes and partnerships.
Full venue details are always provided within each activity or event listing.
How can I contact you?
You can email us at hello@disability4sport.co.uk or call us on 033 30 50 70 75 (Monday to Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm).
About the Organisation
What is Disability4Sport?
Disability4Sport is a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities and special educational needs through inclusive, fun, and confidence-building sport and physical activity.
Founded in 2012, inspired by the legacy of the London Paralympic Games, we exist to break down barriers and create opportunities for people of all abilities to take part, feel included, and thrive.
How is your work funded?
We are supported through a combination of local authorities, community grants, sponsorships, and donations.
Our partners include organisations such as Essex County Council, Active Essex, Activate, Essex Short Breaks, and SEND Sensation.
This support allows us to keep our sessions free or affordable, ensuring more people can access inclusive sport and physical activity
Essex Short Breaks
What is Essex Short Breaks
In order for us to receive Short Breaks funding from Essex County Council children & Young people who use our services require a Short Breaks passport ID. To be eligible they must meet the following criteria
- aged between 0-18, or 19-25 and have a personal budget
- have a diagnosis of special educational needs and/or a disability
- living within the administrative borders of Essex County Council
please click the link below to find out more and how to sign up
https://shortbreaks.essex.gov.uk/what-are-essex-short-breaks/
Healthcare Support & Training for Your Child
If your child has a Short Breaks ID, our team can access specialist healthcare training through Provide CIC.
This means our staff are trained by experienced nurses to safely support children with a wide range of additional health needs
What kind of support can be provided?
Our team can be trained to support:
- Seizures and emergency medication if needed
- Feeding support (such as feeding tubes)
- Oxygen use and monitoring
- Airway support (such as suction)
- Severe allergies (anaphylaxis), including use of EpiPens and similar devices
- Breathing support (such as CPAP or BiPAP machines)
- Other individual healthcare needs, depending on your child
What this means for you and your child
- Your child is supported by trained and confident staff
- We work to make activities safe, inclusive, and enjoyable
- Support is tailored to your child’s specific needs
- We will always talk with you first about any healthcare requirements
Our goal is simple: to make sure your child can take part, feel included, and be supported safely every step of the way 🌟
How do I start the process to refer my child who requires specialist health care?
If your child or young person needs specialist healthcare support, please click the link below and get in touch with a member of our team. We’re here to help
Volunteering
Do I need experience to volunteer?
Not at all! We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. If you have experience in sports, education, or support work, that’s a bonus — but not essential.
Is there a minimum age for volunteers?
Yes, volunteers must be 18 or over. For younger volunteers, we may have specific opportunities — please contact us to discuss.
How do I sign up to volunteer?
Visit our Get Involved page and click the ‘sign up to volunteer’ and complete the registration form. We’ll get back to you with upcoming opportunities.
Accessibility & Inclusion
What kind of support can you provide at events?
We offer a range of support to ensure everyone can take part comfortably, safely, and with confidence.
This includes adaptive equipment, access to sensory-friendly spaces, and trained staff and volunteers who provide support throughout each session.
For individuals who may need additional support, we can also offer limited number of 1:1 Activity Playmaker support, depending on individual needs and availability.
We work closely with participants and families to understand support requirements and ensure each person has the best possible experience.
I use a communication aid. Can I bring it to the event?
Absolutely — participants are encouraged to bring and use any tools or aids that support their comfort, communication, and engagement.
We will work with you to ensure you feel understood, supported, and able to take part fully in each session.
Health & Safety
What safety measures are in place at events?
We take health and safety very seriously across all of our sessions and events.
We carry out thorough venue risk assessments, and all staff are trained as a minimum in first aid, manual handling, and safeguarding (Level 2). We also maintain appropriate participant-to-staff ratios to ensure everyone is supported safely at all times.
Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. All team members are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment where participants feel protected, valued, and able to take part with confidence. Any concerns are taken seriously and managed in line with our safeguarding procedures.
What should I bring to an event?
Bring water, suitable clothing/shoes for the activity, snacks or lunch if required (no nuts) and any medication or support items you may need. Details are shared in your booking confirmation.
Still need help?
If your question wasn’t answered above, contact us and our team will get back to you shortly.