Hello All!
Here is my first blog to introduce myself as a new Safeguarding Adults in Sports Manager!
I may already have met some of you at the Safeguarding Adults in Sports and Activity Seminar held by ACT at the University of Nottingham. I would like to thank you all for making me feel so welcome. The energy in the room was so positive, and the enthusiasm so evident. I am excited to be part of the sports community. I can see it’s going to be worthwhile, not to mention fun!
I have a lot of experience working with adults with learning disabilities and/or mental health problems, primarily in the learning and development sector. The foundations of this has always been in safeguarding and the Mental Capacity Act – my personal favourite! So I like to think I have a lot to offer in these areas.
I’m also well versed in training and presenting, so I’m sure you will hear or see me at an event at some point!
My experience of sporting organisations is not as broad as my knowledge of safeguarding. But during my experience as an associate trainer with ACT, I have been bowled over by the great work that sporting organisations do with the community, in particular with adults who could be deemed at risk. The health, wellbeing and sense of belonging created for participants in your groups, along with the support you give, really is intrinsic when promoting the resilience sometimes needed for an individual to feel safe and included in sport.
I’m really looking forward to finding out more of the great work that organisations are doing. I’m here to help keep raising the profile of safeguarding in adults, to continue the excellent progress already made.