Colleagues across Active Partnerships partnered with Local Trust over the last 12 months. To facilitate a series of workshops for Big Locals around the benefits of community sport and activity. To help communities use sport and activity to respond to what matters most to them.
Volunteers and workers from over 20 Big Locals across England took part in the programme. There were 4 workshops throughout 2021. The topics included:
- Workshop 1: Building connections
- Workshop 2: Engaging and reaching different audiences
- Workshop 3: Volunteers and building local capacity
- Workshop 4: Measuring impact and sporting legacy
The programme unearthed a superb range of sports and activities happening in communities across England. The workshops were shaped with participants to help build on, strengthen and grow what is already happening. And stretch the imagination of what sport and activity can achieve in Big Locals.
Feedback from participants was positive. They said that the programme increased their knowledge around the value of sport and its potential as a catalyst for change within their communities. As well as strengthening their relationships with others interested in community sport. And it provided ideas, tips and tools for ensuring opportunities to be physically active are equal for everyone within diverse communities.
“Physical activity can be anything. It should engage, inspire and involve people moving more. There are so many benefits from being active that can address many social issues.”
Participants also shared their reflections at the end of programme. Many were surprised by the potential of sport. And the connections it can help make to address issues within communities. Moving forward participants intend to keep connecting with other Big Locals to understand different approaches to community sport. And to remain determined in continuing to help their communities stay healthy and active.
The team working on this project consisted of Alice Calder, Local Trust, Kathryn Mudge, Yorkshire Sport Foundation; Kirsty Dunleavy-Harris, Active Gloucestershire; Ali Shipway, Shipway Consulting; and Graeme Sinnott, Active Partnerships national team. We were a team with distinct but aligned areas of expertise. Throughout the programme we learnt a lot about how we best work together. And how we can be of most value in supporting Big Locals to use sport and activity to respond to what matters most to them.
Read the full report here
