Having a poor body image is a problem for many disabled people – but a new campaign aims to help us accentuate the positive.
Trailblazers has been launched by Muscular Dystrophy UK following the Government’s body confidence report, which said: “Poor body image is not just a problem for individuals. It is an equalities issue, limiting the opportunities and rewards on offer to some sections of society, and punishing people unfairly if they step outside of proscribed roles.”
Among those involved as ambassadors are actress Samantha Renke (pictured) and actor, model and wrestler Dan Edge. But they want as many people as possible to get involved – from young disabled people who have poor body image so that we can think about what we can do to change this, to people who have a good body image so that we can share your positive tips and advice with other young disabled people who may feel less good about themselves.
Lauren West, Trailblazers Manager, said: “This campaign project is something different and really exciting for us. We know that everyone will have a different relationship with body image and will be on a different part of their journey. But it’s something that binds us all and that’s why we were so keen to run a campaign on this topic. This campaign will be all about you. We want to hear your stories, your advice and we want you to lead the campaign. Tell us what makes you feel confident and what makes you feel uneasy or insecure about your body image so we can run a really effective campaign.”
If you want to get involved you can fill in their survey or join the campaign focus group, which which will meet (virtually) regularly throughout the research process and beyond. To join this you should email Lauren at l.west@musculardystrophyuk.org