New toolkit launched to explore the vital role that sports and physical activity programmes can play in supporting better social cohesion and integration in local communities and local places.
The 'Power of Sport Toolkit' aims to understand how sport can support bridging between groups and communities, breakdown prejudice, and empower empathy. It is a guidance document full of evidence and tools which are easy to use as an online resource.
The lead organisation is 'Belong Network' who are a cohesion and integration charity; they connect, support, and mobilise across sectors and neighbourhoods, to improve policy and practice, research and evidence, within social cohesion. 'Belong Network' focus on the following within social cohesion; Tackling prejudice and racism, social mixing between different groups, active social engagement, trust in local government and institutions, trust in and perception of others, bridging social connections.
The toolkit brings together a wealth of best practice examples, guidance, practical tools and resources to help those who are designing and evaluating sports and physical activity programmes deliver better cohesion and integration outcomes. It presents a stream-lined, accessible, step-by-step guide to design and evaluation.
Take a look at the toolkit here.
To mark the launch of the toolkit, a webinar took place on Tuesday 7 December to assist those creating, delivering, commissioning, and evaluating sports programmes aimed at improving integration and cohesion.
Watch the webinar recording below.
The new programme supports people in Greater Manchester to become more active by walking, wheeling and cycling.
In Stockport, using the Creating Active Schools (CAS) framework has become a catalyst for transforming physical activity within local schools.
Rachel describes a recent team day centred on welfare and safeguarding, where the team explored creating a culture of safety, belonging, and respect in sports.