Get Berkshire Active - Get Berkshire Active e-news January 2021

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Stay Safe, Stay Active, Stay Fit!

During the third national Coronavirus lockdown, and for however long this lasts, GBA remains open to provide support and guidance to our partners and encouragement to the residents of Berkshire to stay active - safely.

Use our Active at Home resources to support yourself and others in keeping active.

9th GBA Awards

The Berkshire Lockdown Physical Activity Heroes

Thank you all those who submitted their applications for the 9th GBA Awards to nominate their 'Berkshire Lockdown Physical Activity Heroes'.

The judging panel took place on 5th of January and recognised 29 organisations and individuals whose contribution truly made a difference during the pandemic. These were based on your nomination applications – thanks for the time taken to do this!

The ongoing pandemic has changed the usual format of the GBA Awards this year. Instead of the Gala Dinner which usually brings together around 300 guests (including VIPs), this year we will celebrate and recognise these fantastic contributions across our online channels including the GBA website, social media platforms and via BBC Radio Berkshire (TBC) during February 2021.

Support your nominees and the "Berkshire Lockdown Physical Activity Heroes" to help us recognise their contribution to a more active and healthy Berkshire in this challenging time. Watch the #9thGBAAwards during February 2021 on our social media channels:

GBA Twitter

GBA Facebook

GBA Instagram

GBA News

GBA are delighted to announce that Kate Wiggins joins our team as a GBA Healthy Communities Active Ageing Officer. Kate has been working in the fitness and wellness industry for nearly 18 years delivering lessons in a variety of teaching roles from Primary School PE Teacher to Older Adult Exercise Instructor. Kate will support the delivery of the Ever Active programme helping older adults in Berkshire to keep active.

Mums' Zone Sessions

A new Mums' Zone intervention will be starting in Slough for pre and post-natal mothers. This will be focusing on social and physical activity support for mothers to improve mental health and increase physical activity levels.

We anticipate a virtual programme starting in early March and when restrictions allow, face-to-face. For more information contact cathy.carr@getberkshireactive.org

GBA Virtual Wellbeing sessions

Ever Active Programme

These sessions target older adults and adults with a disability or health condition in West Berkshire and Reading (there is no specific exclusion criteria or referral process). We suggest anyone with health related concerns about taking part in any of the activities we run to consult their GP/Healthcare professional first.

Mondays at 10am, Chair Yoga with Sami – visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/136449158105

Tuesdays at 11am, Gentle Chair exercise with Debbie and Mandy from Mindset Massage – email debbie@mindset-massage.com to book your place.

Fridays at 11.15am, Gentle Chair exercise with Hayley - visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/136450532215

The plan is to keep these sessions free throughout January and February. This programme of sessions offered will grow. Email Kirsty.heath@getberkshireactive.org to be added to the circulation list for regular updates.

Pre and Post-natal qualified exercise instructors needed!

Mums' Zone Programme

Mums' Zone

We are seeking a qualified instructor to help us run the Mum's Zone programme for Slough in 2021. Initially delivery will be virtual with the aim of delivering face-to-face when restrictions allow.

Rate: £30 per hour

Qualifications: Pre and post natal qualification and experience as well as either a Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing, Level 2 Certificate in Group Training, Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training, Level 3 Diploma in Instructing Pilates Matwork, Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Yoga.

Anticipated start: March 2021

Exercise may include pilates, yoga or other suitable exercises for these audiences and there will be 1-2 classes per week. Full details TBC.

For more information please contact: cathy.carr@getberkshireactive.org

GBA Impact Report 2020

For many organisations, big and small, 2020 was the year when their annual plans and expectations were reconsidered; ways of working and delivery had to be changed to meet the challenges of the pandemic and make a positive difference.

We are proud to present the GBA Impact Report 2020 showcasing the importance of physical activity for the wellbeing of Berkshire communities, organisations and individuals and our continuous commitment to contribute to a more active and healthy Berkshire.

Read the full report here.

Insight

Latest Active Lives Children and Young People Survey

Physical activity fell as a result of the pandemic

The results have been released for Sport England's latest survey covering the 2019-20 academic year. 3.2 million/44.9% of children and young people are taking part in sport and physical activity for an average of 60+ minutes per day. This is great news as they are meeting the Chief Medical Officer's guidelines. However this number has decreased since the previous survey, meaning 86,500 less children and young people were active compared to the 2018-19 academic year. There has therefore been an increase in those less active - 2.3 million/31.3% do less than an average of 30 minutes of sport and physical activity a day. In Berkshire the picture is similar; 41.8% were active in 2019-20 compared to 45.2% the year before and the number who are less active has increased from 30.4% to 31.6%.

This year Sport England released a report for the whole academic year and one specifically for during the Summer term. The second report highlights the popularity of different activities from May-July 2020 when there were still some restrictions. There was a 22% increase in walking and taking part in gym or fitness and an 18% increase in cycling, however there was a 24% decrease in team sports, 23% decrease in swimming and nearly a 12% decrease in running, athletics and multi-sports.

To explore the results, visit Sport England's website and download the reports.


Improving the health and wellbeing of older people during Covid-19

The Physiological Society and the Centre for Ageing Better has brought together physiologists, nutritionists, geriatricians, physiotherapists and clinicians to discuss three critical areas where the impact of the pandemic and lockdown on older people has required greater consideration. Read more.

Resources

GBA Supporting Clubs webpage. Visit the COVID-19 in Berkshire Workforce webpage. It's updated with the latest Government and Sport England restriction guidance.

Sign up to the GBA Workforce newsletter to receive regular updates on the GBA workforce news and programmes.

Remote teaching and coaching. The NSPCC has created some useful safeguarding guidance for schools who have introduced remote teaching to keep in touch with students at home.

Sport England update website to answer your questions
Sport England are continuing efforts to support the sector with a comprehensive and up-to-date Frequently Asked Questions section on their website. As well as the latest information for Tier 4, the site also explains any exemptions to current restrictions.

Sense Active launches new 'Making Walks Sensory' toolkit
Making Walks Sensory is a free toolkit supporting people with complex disabilities explore the outdoors and engage with nature. The resource includes an introduction to sensory walks, advice on planning and structuring your walks and tips to ensure your walks are accessible and safe.

Active at Home resource from Sense
The national charity Sense has released new resources aimed at supporting people with multiple or complex disabilities to be active at home. The Making Sense of Mini-Games resource includes step-by-step instructions and activity cards including games that can be enjoyed with little or no equipment, or in any sized space.

Guidance for clubs to improve access for disabled people
Activity Alliance working with access expert Jean Hewitt have put together a guide to support sports clubs to improve access for disabled people. The downloadable resource will take you through main areas of physical access and signpost you to sources of further information and support.

Join the Sport and Recreation Alliance on Wednesday 27 January for their annual Fit for the Future Convention which this year will focus on the hugely important topic of diversity and inclusivity. The action-packed day will consist of learning workshops, expert speakers and networking time, providing delegates with a fantastic opportunity for lockdown learning. Learn more.

Supporting Berkshire Communities

Healthy Active Me

Healthy Active Me

We are all impacted by the pandemic crisis but some families are impacted more than others.

Healthy Active Me is aiming to provide support for Berkshire families and children with limited access to physical activity during the pandemic and beyond.

Your kind donations will enable us to provide physical activity kits to underprivileged families and deliver Fit, Fed and Read Camps during school holidays.

Every pound you donate to the Healthy Active Me project will be doubled by funders through the Good Exchange fundraising partner.

We are aiming to provide opportunities for children from disadvantaged families to stay active during the pandemic, learn new skills, discover new activities and sports, trying them out and continuing with them beyond the crisis.

Please read more about the Healthy Active Me project and share the link to donate.

Sporting Heritage

Got an exciting story to tell about your club’s history?

Sporting Heritage is a not-for-profit community interest company working specifically to support and promote a love of sporting heritage in local communities, clubs and education settings.

Derek Peaple, previously the Headteacher of Park House School in Newbury and Chair of Berkshire School Games (Get Berkshire Active) and now Sporting Heritage's new national Education Lead, is aiming to celebrate all that you, our local clubs have done over so many years to create such a special sense of community. That might be through:

  •   A special, even virtual, exhibition about the history of your club
  •   Materials for schools to use to excite them about your club and activity
  •   Special social events to bring the community together and stimulate great memories about events in that past that all will remember - and will also excite the next generation to help to shape in the future

If you'd be interested in sharing ideas and working together to celebrate the heritage of your club please do get in touch with Derek Peaple Dpeaple@icloud.com.

Training Opportunities

Safeguarding Children and Young People

Online workshop

More than ever safeguarding our children and young people is so important, especially now they are spending more time away from key support networks during lockdown. This Online Classroom, designed by UK Coaching, NCPCC and the CPSU, has been specifically tailored to raise awareness of mental health within active sporting club environments. Delegates will gain an understanding of mental health and how to challenge stigma within a club environment.

Wednesday 27th January, 18:30pm – sign up here.

Who is it for: Coaches, sports clubs, volunteers, welfare officers and safeguarding leads, instructors, physical activity leaders and providers.

Calling all befrienders, volunteers and community helpers!

Learning Portal

Everyone can make a big difference in helping others to stay active. At Get Berkshire Active, along with Active Oxfordshire and Leap, we've trained more than 150 front-line staff and volunteers (non-clinical) to feel more confident and able to have positive conversations about being active with the people they support. And with funding from Sport England, we're able to deliver this training for free.

Organise a free virtual 1-hour training session for your team by contacting casey.dunlop@getberkshireactive.org or express your interest. Find out more here.

"I have learnt to be mindful of physical activity as a means to improving mood and wellbeing in my own life and in the lives of people I work with! I've also learnt how to positively and openly have discussions about physical exercise in an accessible way for everyone." – Mind in Bucks, Nov 2020


Club Matters - online development workshops

We are running a series of FREE bespoke Club Matters workshops designed to support clubs.

Developing a Marketing Strategy - 9th March, 19:00 - 21:00

Volunteer Experience - 24th March, 19:00 - 21:00

Leadership Teams - 8th April, 19:00 - 21:00

Planning for your Future - 19th April, 19:00 - 21:00

Participant Experience - 4th May, 19:00 - 21:00

Introduction to Legal Structures - 19th May, 19:00 - 21:00

Who is it for: Club coaches, sports clubs, club committees, volunteers, physical activity providers and organisations delivering physical activity.

Email: matt.davies@getberkshireactive.org

Inclusive Activity Programme eLearning Module

Get started today!

New Inclusive Activity Programme eLearning module from Activity Alliance and UK Coaching is now live!

It's a great starting point to learn about the key inclusion principles for sport and physical activity. Free for a limited time only.

Training Courses from Involve

New courses scheduled for 2021. Follow the link to book your place on the courses or see the full list of the courses here.

Trustee Roles and Responsibilities – 27th Jan 6-9.30 £50 https://involve.community/event/trustee/

Managing Change – 3rd Feb 9.30-12.30 https://involve.community/event/managing-change-2/

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion – 4th Feb 9 – 11.30 Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Training - Involve Community Services 4 spaces available

Suicide – 10th Feb 9.30 – 12.30 https://involve.community/event/suicide/

Personality Disorders – 11th Feb 9.30 – 3.30 £50 https://involve.community/event/personality-disorders-training/

Child Safeguarding - 23rd Feb 9.30 – 1pm Child Safeguarding Training - Involve Community Services

Influencing and Persuasion – 24th Feb 9.30 – 12.30 https://involve.community/event/influencing-persuasion-course/

Trustee roles and responsibilities –24th Feb & 3rd March 6-8 £50 https://involve.community/event/trustee-1/

Time Management – 25th Feb 9.30 – 12.30 https://involve.community/event/time-management/

Mental Health

Time to Talk Day 2021

Save the date! Thursday 4th February 2021 is 'Time to Talk' Day to get your club or team talking about mental health.

Whether in-person or virtually, we know that a small conversation about mental health has the power to make a big difference and the more conversations we have, the more myths we can bust and barriers we can break down.

No matter how big or small your club or what sport you do, there are lots of ways to get involved. Take a look at Time to Change's sports activity pack for ideas and inspiration to get people talking on this Time to Talk Day.

Funding

 

BBC Children In Need (Small Grants)

How much can I apply for?

Eligible organisations will be able to apply for up to £10,000 per year. Organisations will... Read More »

 

Big Lottery Fund - Reaching Communities Buildings

Funding is available for land and buildings projects costing more than £100,000. Applicants seeking less than £100,000... Read More »

 

Youth Club Grants

What we fund

We fund tangible resources including, but not limited to:

  • Sports, gym and games equipment
  • Computers, printers and... Read More »
 

WheelPower Wheel Appeal

WheelPower, the national organisation for Wheelchair Sport, launched the Wheel Appeal to provide new sports wheelchairs,... Read More »

See all Funding >

Return To Play: Community Asset Fund

Sport England's Community Asset Fund will make awards of between £10,001 and £50,000 from a pot of £5m to help local sports clubs and organisations adapt and open important places and spaces to help their local community return to play safely.

Return To Play: Active Together

Active Together is a crowdfunding initiative that can match fund, up to £10,000, successful Crowdfunder campaigns from a total pot of £1.5m for things such as a loss of income due to the crisis, or any other Covid-19 related needs.

Comic Relief Community Fund
Grants are available for small local grassroots organisations to support projects that deliver against one of Comic Relief's four strategic themes. Three different types of grants are available up to £4,000. This is a rolling programme.

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