Active Partnerships will mark the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) on April 6th by supporting the first anniversary of the #OpenGoal campaign.
#OpenGoal has been created by Active Partnerships and fellow members of the Sport for Development Coalition to showcase how sport and physical activity can contribute to building a fairer, more equitable and sustainable future. In particular, it will focus on how the 250-plus members of the Coalition specifically support a series of positive health and societal outcomes such as reducing crime and anti-social behaviour and building stronger communities and social cohesion.
#OpenGoal will see the Coalition call on UK Government to ringfence funding committed for jobs, health and tackling crime towards targeted sport-based interventions that can save public money and generate multiple returns on investment, from improving the physical and mental health of individuals facing disadvantage and discrimination, to increasing educational attainment and the ability to secure employment.
Andy Taylor, CEO, Active Partnerships said
We support the outcomes of the #OpenGoal across the Active Partnership network. We know that being physically active can transform people’s lives and improve their physical and mental wellbeing.
Active Partnerships work collaboratively with local and national partners, developing co-ordinated cross-sector partnerships to harness the power of physical activity, help build stronger cohesive communities, improving mental health, reducing social isolation and delaying long term conditions. This positively impacts on the environment and the economy as a healthier population is a more productive, economically active population”.
There are numerous examples across the network that help bring to life the positive impact of being physical active, some of which are highlighted below:
- Improved health and wellbeing;
Active Dorset support The Vale Pantry which was set up in 2020 following a need identified through the local GP surgery. Run entirely with volunteers the Pantry offers memberships to any family who struggle financially and who have had to cut back on food in order to try and make ends meet. A number of people attending the pantry have long term health issues so using funding from Sport England's Together Fund, 6 months of hydrotherapy sessions are being run for those living with Fibromyalgia. Participants are reporting increase in happiness and increasing mobility which is positively impacting on their physical and mental wellbeing. https://youtu.be/DdSG8UekeIE
- Closing the gap in education and development;
Active Lancashire’s More Positive Together is a County wide project that aims to help residents of some of the County’s most deprived areas improve their skills and employment prospects. A wellbeing offer for the benefit of project participants has also been developed to encourage engagement in sport and physical activity to improve health and wellbeing, build confidence and engage in positive social interactions. Read more
One Participant Tom says “Not even a year before this I was stuck in my house, feeling like I had no future, so it was huge for my family and peers to see how much I had grown. The traineeship was the first employment I’d had in many years, and I finally felt I was doing something worthwhile.” Read more
Active Lancashire’s CSI Project – Challenge Through Sport Initiative also provides a reliance pathway for participants to volunteering, supporting over 7,000 participants in 8 years.
- Increased employability and skills;
A growing number of Active Partnerships are working alongside CIMSPA to drive local Skills work, ensuring locally there is a fit for purpose workforce to support people lead active lives. A taste of skills development work from the network | Active Partnerships
A number also work closely with Coach Core, a member of the coalition. Targeting 16-24 year olds who are not in education or employment, Coach Core delivers an inclusive and impactful apprenticeship that develops the talents of young people and provides them with a range of vital skills for sport, work and life. Read the impact of the programme in Wesport
Somerset Active & Sports Partnership’s Revive programme provides individuals who are undertaking their journey to recover from drug and alcohol addiction the chance to get active and enjoy some new physical activity experiences. Participants are also supported through training, volunteering and employment opportunities. Pres shares how he set up a boxing club and inspired more people through sport. “Sport can pull people back into a better life”. SPSA - Revive.pptx
- Reduced crime and anti-social behaviour;
Active Surrey’s Step Out to Step In’ is a programme which helps support young people at risk of engaging in anti-social behaviour or other offences, or who may have already offended. 11 – 18 year olds are given the opportunity to take part in organised physical activity for free and supported as they build their skills in their new sport. Funding for places is managed by Active Surrey and originates from the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner. Read more
- Stronger communities and social cohesion
They say that football is a universal language. Whatever dialect you speak, the world’s most popular sport is one way to bring people together around a common understanding. It’s why it is at the heart of FURD – Football Unites Racism Divides. The charity is a youth and social inclusion project based in Sheffield, which works locally, nationally and internationally to combat racism and increase understanding between different communities. Read more
There are 43 Active Partnerships located across England. For contact details please visit https://www.activepartnerships.org/active-partnerships
