YSF Safeguarding and Welfare News - June 2026

Welcome to our June newsletter.

We had a fantastic time at our first Sport Welfare Marketplace event which we held in Kirklees on 23 June. We’re grateful to the local and national services who came along to share their knowledge, expertise and resources with sports clubs and activity providers. You can read more in this news article.

We’re looking to replicate this event in other districts across South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire so watch this space! If you’d like this to be in your area please let us know.

Safer Summer

It will soon be the school summer break and for some children and young people they will lose access to the trusted professional adults in their life who usually support them. This may mean that they turn to staff, coaches and volunteers at their club or activity for help and advice.

Should a child or young person tell you that they are experiencing or at risk of harm, or have worries or concerns, please act. Follow your organisation’s safeguarding policy, speak with your club welfare officer or safeguarding lead, report to your National Governing Body if appropriate, and refer on to statutory services such as the police and duty social care where necessary.

For a list of organisations and services who can support you, please see this page.

Upcoming Training and Events

Event: Leeds JogOn Active Bystander Session

When: Tuesday 14 July, 6pm to 7pm

Where:   Online, via Microsoft Teams

Cost: FREE

For: Anyone who wants to learn about being an ally and active bystander

Book: https://yorkshire.sportsuite.co.uk/forms/view/7690

These sessions, run as part of the Leeds JogOn campaign, look at women’s safety while out running and taking part in sport. Learn how to be an ally and active bystander in situations where you witness harassment or abuse.

Event: Sported and Sport Welfare – Funding

When: Wednesday 15 July, 6pm to 7.30pm

Where: Online, via Microsoft Teams

Cost: FREE

For: Anyone from a sports club or activity organisation across Y&H

Book: https://yorkshire.sportsuite.co.uk/forms/view/7701

Join colleagues from Sported and the Yorkshire and Humber Sport Welfare team as we explore applying for funding. We’ll look at:

·       Key things that funders are looking for.

·       What to build into your budget.

·       Upskilling your workforce to meet the needs of the project.

·       Fulfilling safeguarding requirements.

Event: Y&H Sport Welfare Connect - Codes of Conduct and Low-Level Concerns

When: Thursday 23 July, 6pm to 7.30pm

Where: Online, via Microsoft Teams

Cost: FREE

For: Anyone with an interest in safeguarding and welfare in sport

Book: https://yorkshire.sportsuite.co.uk/forms/view/7641

Our usual quarterly network meeting will cover the topics of codes of conduct and early or low-level concerns. There’ll be plenty of opportunities to ask questions and take part in discussions.

Event: Y&H Sport Welfare Connect - Autism and practical strategies for coaches and clubs

When: Wednesday 16 September, 6.30pm to 8pm

Where: Online, via Microsoft Teams

Cost: FREE

For: Anyone with an interest in safeguarding and welfare in sport

Book: https://yorkshire.sportsuite.co.uk/forms/view/7704

We’re delighted to be joined by Angie from Matthew’s Hub, a support charity for Autism and ADHD based in Hull and East Riding. This is one of two sessions we’ll be running that focus on supporting neurodivergent participants.

There’ll be plenty of opportunities to ask questions and take part in discussions.

NSPCC Sport

Introducing NSPCC Sport – the new name for the Child Protection in Sport Unit.

For more than 25 years, the CPSU has worked alongside sports organisations to strengthen safeguarding across the sport and physical activity sector.

Their new name — NSPCC Sport — reflects their evolving role and their continued commitment to supporting organisations to create caring and inclusive experiences for every child in sport and physical activity.

You can explore NSPCC Sport's updated guidance and resources here: www.nspcc.org.uk/sport

You can contact them at sport@nspcc.org.uk

We look forward to continuing our work together to make sure that children and young people can thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

Nicola Holmes - Senior Sport Welfare Officer
South Yorkshire and Leeds
07714 733650
nicola.holmes@yorkshiresport.org

Measha Harris - Sport Welfare Officer
West Yorkshire excluding Leeds
07714 733636
measha.harris@yorkshiresport.org