London Sport, in conjunction with the University of Kent (Centre for Health Services Studies), has developed and piloted a new training resource for staff and volunteers working in Social Prescribing programmes. The aim of the training is to support Social Prescribers to become more skilled and confident advocating and supporting their clients into sport and physical activity. There is still a recognized need and a gap in existing training opportunities for Social Prescribers around physical activity, so this course is a valuable addition to the training landscape.
The course has been operational for over 12 months and the pilot phase of the course has achieved some positive outcomes; demonstrating an increase in skills and confidence around using physical activity for the social prescribers who attended. Therefore, as well as delivering the course more widely across London, we are also happy to share the course with other Active Partnerships who may be looking to support social prescribers, or other associated healthcare professionals.
How does an Active Partnership get involved?
London Sport are providing licences for Active Partnerships to deliver the course themselves. This licence will provide them with the following:
- The ability to deliver the course as often as they like in their geographical region.
- Send up to 3 people to a tutor training day workshop.
- Access all the course materials and resources.
- Take part in nationwide evaluation study.
- Benefit from regularly refreshed resources.
- Generate any income they can from the course.
Once the Active Partnership has signed-up they will be then invited to send their nominated tutors to a one-day training course. The candidates who they send on this course should meet a minimum criterion of skills and experience. Once Active Partnerships have adopted their new tutors, they will then be free to deliver the course with access to all the necessary material. Every six months, tutors will be invited to attend a refresher day.
How much will it cost?
We have funding available from Sport England to enable us to support the tutor training element. However, the funding does not cover the training workshop licence and this will cost each Active Partnership £1300 (+VAT) as a one-off payment.
To register your interest or for further information contact:
David Reader at david.reader@londonsport.org or telephone 07572 094425
