Support for the sector during COVID-19

We know COVID-19 has created major challenges for the physical activity sector and all our partners. Many of you will have immediate concerns about keeping your businesses running. Others will be adapting to new ways of working. We’re still here to help.

Like many others, our team are now social distancing and working remotely. But we’re still ready and willing to help in any way that we can. While we adapt to working from home, you can reach our team by email or mobile. Where mobile numbers aren’t available, drop us an email and we’ll arrange an alternative way to chat.

Sport England is proactively looking at ways to support the sector. It’s committed to ensuring we all come out the other side in as strong a position as possible. If you are worried about money, Sport England is currently exploring ways to mitigate the financial impact of Coronavirus on the sector.

Take a look at Sport England’s Coronavirus information. You can also email coronavirus@sportengland.org to let them know how COVID-19 is impacting you and your organisation and the type of support you feel would be most beneficial.

The government and national and local funders have acted swiftly to make emergency funds available. Take a look at our new COVID-19 funding page for details.

Being active is more important now than ever. We know many of you are already exploring ways in which you can deliver classes online. We would love to help you share your workouts.

• Sport England is encouraging people to use the hashtag #JoinTheMovement when sharing home workouts on social media.
• If you’re creating public workouts, please email them to Georgia & Sara so we can add them to our Getting Active at Home page and include them in our Get Active emails.

Many of us are working differently now, and it is important to remember that we all have a responsibility to look after the welfare of those around us. There is so much information about digital safeguarding that it might feel a bit overwhelming, but don’t panic, we’re here to cut through some of that noise.

Firstly, and most importantly, think about who is responsible for sharing the messages and guidelines that you and your organisation normally follow. It might be the Child Protection in Sport Unit, or the Ann Craft Trust, or it might be another organisation. Whoever is your first port of call normally, then stick with them. Chances are they will have some CV-19 specific information, or digital safeguarding tips on their website.

Secondly, keep talking! Maybe you have some safeguarding and welfare questions, or some ‘what ifs’ you want to work through. Talk to your colleagues, to your designated safeguarding lead, to your National Governing Body or lead youth organisation. And don’t forget, you can always talk to us. Youth Project Manager, Emma, and Strategic Lead – Insight and Workforce, Sophie, are happy to provide advice and guidance on keeping young people and adults at risk as safe as possible.

As we all adapt our businesses and workouts during social distancing, it’s important that we stick together and help each other out. We would love to share learning from across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. If you are trying out virtual classes or changing the way you work, we would love to hear about it and share your experiences to help others. You could:

• Write a blog or film a short video about how you’re adapting your business and what you’re learning along the way and email it to Sara or Georgia.
• Drop us an email so we can arrange a time to call and interview you and write a blog for you.

All content we receive will be published on this page, shared through our social media channels and emailed to our Sector News e-list to help others navigate COVID-19 challenges.

Keep in touch and remember, if you’re already social distancing, #JointheMovement to look after your physical and mental well-being.