Stories with Impact: Inclusive Health and Wellbeing Project

Last academic year, we took a cross-departmental approach to health and wellbeing by embedding inclusion, participation, and accessibility across both curricular and extracurricular activities. We caught up with our Sports Department to learn more about the project and the impact it has had.

Hi team, can we start with a summary of the project?

The Inclusive Health and Wellbeing project was built through a want to make physical activity more inclusive to students that may have barriers to Sport.

We also wanted this to be a learning opportunity for our HNC students, so we integrated the project into the Inclusive Sport module with the students being equipped with the tools and knowledge to support peers with additional support needs, particularly those in the Supported Learning department.

We then ran hands-on inclusive sessions, with students working with partners including Moray Rugby Club, Scottish Disability Sport, and Artiquins, to create a sustainable model that connects education, physical activity, and community engagement.

We can imagine this has had quiet an impact, can you share what has been the impact has been?

It’s been transformative on students, staff, and the wider community:

Activities like Tartan Touch rugby, Curling 360, and the Disability Sports Festival have opened new sporting experiences for students with disabilities, many of whom participated in sport for the first time. This has resulted in national success with Supported Learning student Jamie Scott receiving national recognition from Scottish Rugby, showcasing the personal growth and pride fostered by the programme. His participation in webinars and national events has inspired others and highlighted the broader impact of inclusive sport.

We have strengthened our community engagement through collaborations with local organisations such as Artiquins and provided ongoing fitness opportunities for adults with learning disabilities, many of whom are former SFL students.

Our HNC students gained empathy, leadership, and practical experience in inclusive sport delivery. Their involvement has extended beyond coursework, with many continuing to support activities voluntarily through the Active Campus programme.

It has also led to more collaboration between staff teams with inclusive sport becoming central to UHI Moray’s approach to health, wellbeing, and inclusive practice.

Wow that sounds great so, what’s next?

We plan to continue building on the success of the programme and aims:

• Sustain and expand inclusive sport programmes through ongoing partnerships and curriculum integration.
• Continue offering CPD opportunities for mainstream students to develop lifelong skills in inclusive practice.
• Strengthen ties with community organisations to ensure long-term engagement and support for learners with additional needs.
• Embed inclusive sport deeper into the academic calendar, ensuring it remains a core part of student life and wellbeing.

For us the programme is not just about access to sport, it’s about creating a culture of inclusion, empathy, and shared growth. We believe that through academic learning, real-world application, and community collaboration, we can redefine what health and wellbeing looks like in further education.