Our Deputy Safeguarding Lead, Chelsea Piggott, explores how the cost of living crisis may impact safeguarding and what we can do during this time to ensure young people are protected.

As a nation living through such a challenging time, with a toxic cocktail of covid and the cost-of-living crisis, the children we work with are more likely suffering as a result.

Child poverty has risen significantly over the last decade with 2019-2020 data recording 4.3 million children are living in poverty. This of course doesn't take into account the crisis we currently, predicting to tip missions more into deprivation. In 2021 27% were living on a lower income than before the pandemic, making it increasingly difficult for families to commit to extra-curricular and developmental activities, such a after school and sports clubs.

We know that the crisis is having an impact on everyone, but it is important for those working closely with children, in this case sport and physical activity providers, to ensure that the safeguarding of youth is high on their agendas. We want to make sure you know where to go if you need support and provide you with additional resources to positively impact the young people you provide such meaningful and engaging activities to.

Most importantly, we urge you to set aside time in your sessions to speak to young people, give them voice to share their concerns and provide them support where you can. Make sure you know where to signpost young people, and let them know that as responsible adults, we are there to support them as best we can.

Safeguarding Support

The Child Protection in Sport Unit - (CPSU) is part of the NSPCC and is funded by Sport England, Sport Northern Ireland, Sport Wales and UK Sport.

Their aim is to help improve safeguarding and child protection practices within sport organisations, to ensure all children and young people are safe while participating in sport. They support organisations to implement and maintain safeguarding practices, to minimise the risk of abuse and ensure that sport stays safe and enjoyable for all those involved. This includes podcasts, templates, campaigns and check and challenge tools.

Get Berkshire Active- You can find all important contact details for GBA's Lead and Deputy Safeguarding Officers and Local Authority contacts if you have a concern. You can also find lots of resources for specific populations and a useful check and challenge tool.

Signposting Young People to Support

Berkshire Youth Hubs – sharing resources and supporting young people.

Berkshire Youth serves the young people of Berkshire. They help support youth to reach their full potential and make a positive contribution to their community. You can signpost young people here to access support, leisure activities and youth clubs.

Kooth- free, safe, and anonymous support for youth people experiencing mental health difficulties. Please note, this isn't available across all of Berkshire.

Upskilling

Club Matters Workshops- Organisations and coaches can attend free training sessions that will develop your skills, improve your knowledge, and ultimately help you develop your club

Safeguarding Training- If you need to update your safeguarding skill, you can find a mixture of e-learning, online and face to face safeguarding training here.

There are many more resources out there to support you and young people. If GBA can help signpost you to additional support, don't hesitate to get in touch with us.