- Darren Campbell
Community clubs and groups around Solihull have gained valuable knowledge around how to keep children safe in sport and physical activity thanks to support from Think Active.
Local organisations were invited to take part in a free training session on Safeguarding and Child Protection in Sport, held at Auckland Hall in Smith’s Wood on 13 November.
Delivered by UK Coaching, the three-hour session was organised and paid for by Think Active as part of work to support clubs and groups in developing and embedding best practice around sport welfare and safeguarding.
We emphasise that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and strive to equip all participants with the knowledge and confidence needed to act when concerns arise.
Charlie Creed, Think Active
The event gave attendees the opportunity to discuss essential topics for safeguarding children and young people, including how to spot signs of abuse and what to do about safeguarding concerns, as well as scenario-based training.
Among those attending were representatives from Cars Area Together, a community initiative in the Smith’s Wood area, who have been supported by Think Active for around a decade to help local people access ways to get more active.
Charlene Horrocks, Project Officer at Cars Area Together, said: “The session really helped to further my understanding of safeguarding. Knowing signs and what to do in any situation makes me feel more prepared if I ever encounter a safeguarding issue.”
The Safeguarding and Child Protection in Sport session was delivered by UK Coaching
Think Active provides a range of support on safeguarding and welfare for community groups and clubs involved in sport and physical activity, including training events, signposting to advice and guidance, and providing networking opportunities for volunteers and staff.
Charlie Creed, Think Active’s Sport Welfare Lead, said: “This course reinforces our commitment to fostering safe, inclusive environments across sport and physical activity. It supports leaders in identifying risks, recognising signs of abuse, responding appropriately to concerns and reporting them effectively.
“We emphasise that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and strive to equip all participants with the knowledge and confidence needed to act when concerns arise.”
Bradley Jacques, Partnership Manager at Think Active, said: “It’s important for children in North Solihull to continue to have safe environments to be active. Knowing they have trusted adults that they can reach out to who will help them with any of their worries and concerns will support them to be active and safe.”
Interested in future training opportunities? Stay informed by signing up to our Active & Aware: Welfare & Safeguarding Newsletter:
- Upcoming training and learning opportunities
- Resources to support best safeguarding practice
- Key updates on policies and legislation
Do you run a club or group delivering sport and physical activity? Think Active can support clubs and groups in Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire on issues ranging from safeguarding and coaching to inclusivity, wellbeing and sustainability. For more information, visit our dedicated Club Hub on our website or get in touch by emailing hello@thinkactive.org.
Think Active is a member of the Active Partnerships network, collaborating with local partners throughout Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire to promote the power of sport and physical activity for transforming lives and keeping people living well. Find out more about what we do.
