A local lad has overcome challenges, gained confidence and thrived at nearby leisure centres.

Congleton teenager Noah Shaw, 17 years old, has attended Everybody's inclusive activities for 9 years, since the registered charity opened its doors in Cheshire East.

Everybody, which will run Congleton Leisure Centre when it opens up again, have welcomed Noah to their sites for almost a decade.

As seen by his instructors, Noah has developed over the years, becoming more confident when attending the different sessions on offer.

Noah and pals doing curling and skittles.

The Ability for All programme consists of a range of inclusive activities for all ages with a disability or a life- term condition.

Andy Molyneux, Disability and Inclusion Lead at Everybody Health and Leisure shared, "It's been great seeing Noah develop over the years and see him become more confident when trying the different activities on the Ability for All programme."

Attending the Ability for All programme has given Noah a chance to spend time with other adults and children by playing the sports he loves and he always looks forward to attending.

Noah has been attending the Ability for All activities and currently enjoys the Activity Hub in Holmes Chapel, Inclusive Cycling sessions at Alsager Leisure Centre and the holiday activities in the South Cheshire area.

Andy Molyneux continues: 

"Noah has been attending the Ability for All sessions for several years initially attending the sessions at Congleton Leisure Centre. When Noah attends our Activity Hub, he likes trying the different activities but in particular really enjoys playing badminton, boccia and cricket in the summer. He's now very good at badminton, where staff have to take it in turns to play him and he always gives a cheeky grin when he makes the staff run around the court.

Noah is now very confident on the adapted bikes, regularly achieving the target number of laps we set him each time. During lockdown in 2021 he regularly attended our cycling sessions at Macclesfield Leisure Centre which helped with his health and wellbeing."

When attending the sessions Noah feels supported and feels the staff at Everybody are happy to play sports or entertain him. Everybody's instructors understand Noah and when he needs a break, they will encourage him to try different activities, so he continues to develop.

Noah enjoys sport but he would struggle to join a regular sports club so the sessions give him a chance to exercise without pressure and doing so in a fun way, whilst choosing what he wants to do without any judgement. Jacqueline Shaw, Noah's mum shared:

"There are plenty of activities and bikes for Noah to choose from, so if he is feeling tired, he can do a sitting down activity. It is great that these sessions are run as otherwise Noah would spend a lot of time at home and he wouldn't be doing much exercise. It is also nice that his sister can join in with some of the activities. The locations are ideal for us."

Everybody Health and Leisure have been commissioned to deliver 'Short Break' activities by Cheshire East Council. These activities allow parents and carers the chance to have a short break by leaving their child with a designated member of staff to support the child, in a fun and safe environment.

Noah is looking forward to continuing his fitness adventure when Congleton Leisure Centre reopens on Worrall Street in 2023 after a mega-millions investment.

Visit here to find out more about Everybody Health and Leisure's Disability and Inclusion Activities - https://everybody.org.uk/what-we-offer/disability-activities/