New Campaign Launched to Champion Inclusion for Disabled People in Hertfordshire

Context:

Research shows that people with a disability or long-term health condition are twice as likely to be inactive than non-disabled people. The pioneering No Limits 2026 campaign has been designed to tackle this inequality gap and create opportunities, celebrate inclusion, and make being active a reality for everyone.

No Limits 2026 is the campaign name for Hertfordshire's Year of Disability Sport & Physical Activity, led by the Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership (HSP) working closely with the Herts Disability Sports Foundation and the Activity Alliance.

This campaign will make sport and physical activity more visible, more inclusive, and more effective for disabled people. It will grow what’s already working and be the catalyst for new community-led initiatives. It will bring in funding to scale up delivery, and support organisations to create spaces that feel genuinely welcoming. Coaches and leaders will be equipped with the skills and confidence to work with disabled people, and disabled people’s voices will be amplified through our ambassador programme. The goal is clear - to build lasting, meaningful ways for disabled people to confidently stay active.

No Limits 2026 isn’t just aiming to raise awareness; it’s looking to empower action.

---

The Facts:

• Adults with a limiting illness or disability are twice as likely to be inactive compared to those without – 36% for disabled people compared to 18% for non-disabled. Similar trends exist for disabled young people.
• Despite this, 76% of disabled adults want to be more active.
• Only one in four disabled children can always join in school sports.
• The benefits of being active are three to four times greater for disabled people.
• Yet, barriers like transport, cost, confidence, and lack of awareness persist.

The No Limits 2026 campaign has been informed by key insights and partner feedback, and we will continue to learn and fine tune the campaign based on ongoing feedback.

---

Key Features of the Campaign:

Campaign Hub:

The Campaign Hub is a dedicated online space bringing together inspiring stories, upcoming events, and opportunities for everyone to get involved in creating a more inclusive future for sport and physical activity.

For people with a disability or long-term health conditions, it offers an easy-to-navigate hub with links to local opportunities through the Activity Finder, details of inclusive events happening across the county, and motivating ambassador stories featuring real experiences, videos, and quotes.

For partners, the site provides a dedicated funding section, highlights workforce development opportunities, and presents other practical ways to get involved, such as requesting an ambassador for an event, sharing opportunities, or signing up to the No Limits Newsletter.

Partner Activation Toolkit:

A key component of the No Limits campaign is that partners are empowered to make a difference in their local settings.

Organisations that sign up to support the campaign will gain access to the Toolkit, which includes the brand guidelines, downloadable assets such as the logo, brand font, and templates poster which can be used in your setting.

No Limits Ambassadors:

No Limits 2026 Ambassadors are local Hertfordshire individuals with lived experience of disability who embody the transformative power of sport. Ambassadors will serve as role models, sharing their stories in various mediums to inspire participation, raise awareness of inclusive opportunities, and help create a stronger, more connected community where everyone can take part and feel included.

---

Statement from John O’Callaghan, Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership Director:

“Too many disabled people in Hertfordshire still face barriers that prevent them from enjoying the benefits of being active. Through No Limits 2026, we’re focusing on what matters most - creating opportunities that meet people’s needs and make a lasting difference. We’ll aim to work closely with partners to deliver these opportunities across Hertfordshire and together, drive meaningful change for disabled people across the physical activity sector.”

---

How to Get Involved:

2026 will be a landmark year for disability sport and physical activity in Hertfordshire and we encourage you to get involved.

Visit the Campaign Hub: https://sportinherts.org.uk/no-limits-2026

Sign up for the monthly No Limits Newsletter: https://sportinherts.org.uk/subscribe

Please use the hashtag #NoLimits2026 when posting or sharing stories on social media.

Contact us for more information on the campaign at

nolimits2026@herts.ac.uk | Phone: 01707 284229