We know the work of club welfare officers can be hard at times and it can often feel like an isolated role. We're trying to change that. Sport Welfare Officers are here for club welfare officers.

We can provide local support and opportunities to assist you in your volunteer roles. Whether that's helping you meet your safeguarding responsibilities, connecting you with other club welfare officers or assisting you to grow your knowledge and skills - we are here to help.

Your sport may already have regional safeguarding staff who provide your club with support. If it does – these teams are still your primary contact. Sport Welfare Officers will work with these representatives and your National Governing Body to connect sports and promote good welfare locally.

Good welfare practice matters to everyone and together we want to help create environments in sport and physical activity which are positive and safe for all children, young people and adults.

What is the purpose of the Sport Welfare Officer's role?

Our role is to;

• Provide additional, local support for club welfare officers
• Signpost clubs to the right advice and guidance
• Work with club welfare officers to create a safer culture within their organisation
• Facilitate local training opportunities and events
• Create networks so that volunteers and staff feel better connected and informed
• Recognise, share and develop best practice
• Help raise awareness of safeguarding and welfare for young people and adults at local events

It is not the Sport Welfare Officer's role to;

• Advise on or manage concerns – all concerns must be referred without delay in accordance with National Governing Body / Club Safeguarding Policy.

The network is funded by Sport England through an investment of National Lottery money. Active Partnerships are working with National Governing Bodies, NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit, Ann Craft Trust, Sport England and other key safeguarding partners.

Mind have an eLearning course available: Mental health awareness for sport and physical activity

About the course: The 4 modules - developed in partnership with 1st4sport and UK Coaching, and funded by Sport England and the National Lottery - will increase your knowledge and understanding of mental health, providing you with the practical skills and strategies to be able to:

• Build people's resilience, self-esteem and confidence
• Adapt your sessions to make them more inclusive
• Enable and support mental health recovery
• Tackle stigma and discrimination