YSF Safeguarding and Welfare News - October 2026

Welcome to our October newsletter

We're always looking for new ways to support clubs and organisations across South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire. As part of the wider Sport Welfare Network, we're fortunate to learn from colleagues across the country who are delivering innovative and impactful initiatives in their local areas. Where there is interest and a clear benefit, we can explore bringing some of these successful ideas to our own region, helping to strengthen support for clubs, organisations and the people at the heart of community sport.

Gillian at Active Together supported a bowls club in Leicester to become dementia friendly.

Patrick and the team up at Tees Valley Sport have been involved in the Warm Welcome programme.

Chris at Sport Birmingham has done work around supporting neurodivergent players at a hockey club.

James at Active Dorset supported a gymnastics club to start up from scratch.

Anita at Active Norfolk has worked with one of her local swimming clubs to increase the profile of their welfare officer and gather participant voice.

You can find more case studies and news articles on the Active Partnerships webpage.

Do you have an idea around improving your club's safeguarding practice, welfare culture, or inclusivity? If so, run it by us. It's likely that we can help you out and support you to make it happen.

Training and events

Event: Y&H Sport Welfare Connect – Beyond the Comeback

When: Tuesday 10 November, 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/7760

Thomas Berry is kindly joining us to talk about his experience of the hidden side of sports injury.

Injury is more than just a physical setback. Beyond The Comeback explores the often-overlooked mental and emotional impact of sports injury for young athletes, including identity, isolation, confidence, uncertainty and the pressure to keep moving forward in an age of social media.

Grounded in lived experience and personal insight, the session looks at what injured athletes can experience away from the pitch, while providing practical tools and guidance for coaches, parents and others supporting athletes through recovery.

The session aims to create greater understanding of the psychological side of injury and help build more supportive sporting environments where athletes feel understood, included and supported throughout their recovery.

Event: Child Exploitation for Sports Clubs

When: Wednesday 11 November, 12.30pm to 1.30pm
Where: Online, via Microsoft Teams
Cost:    FREE
For: Anyone who wants to learn more about child exploitation, including parents and carers.
Book: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/risenortheast/2482479

Across the country, young people are being manipulated, sexually abused, forced to launder money and deal drugs. Exploitation isn't obvious. But it happens everywhere. Our sports volunteers, coaches, and parents/ carers are the eyes and ears on the ground and are often well placed to spot the signs that something might not be right for a child attending the sports club.

George from the Children’s Society will speak to us about how we can work together to spot the signs of child exploitation and how we can report and stop this – bringing his own experience of volunteering in sport to the table. We’ll also be joined by The Ivison Trust to raise awareness of the fantastic work they do to support children and families affected by criminal and sexual exploitation.  

Event: Positive Coaching Sessions

When: Various sessions, week commencing 30 November
Where: Online
Cost:    FREE
For: Aimed at sports clubs in West Yorkshire. If you’re based outside of West Yorkshire please contact nicola.holmes@yorkshiresport.org to discuss.
Book: https://yorkshire.sportsuite.co.uk/forms/view/7835

This Positive Coaching workshop is designed as an introduction to a trauma informed and holistic approach to supporting your athletes.

The session will:

•  Explore the attributes of a good coach
•  Look at poor coaching practice
•  Introduce trauma informed sports coaching
•  Signpost to further learning opportunities

The session will be interactive, with breakout room discussions and requests to contribute in the chat. You will be required to use a device with a camera and microphone so you can take part fully.

Each participant who engages in and completes the workshop will be sent a £100 Decathlon e-voucher for their club/organisation. The voucher is to be used to enhance the delivery of activities.

Barnsley Clubs

If you’re a staff member or volunteer at a club based in Barnsley there are a couple of opportunities to come and chat with us! Douglas and Nicola will be at two events being held at the Metrodome in November and would love to see you there.

Event: Barnsley Club Development Workshop

When: Wednesday 4 November, 4pm to 6pm

What: A practical workshop for sports clubs and community organisations looking to grow their impact and get more people active.

Find out about:

• Funding opportunities
• Support available to clubs and groups
• Free learning and development opportunities

Whether you're an established club or just getting started, you'll leave with useful connections, advice and opportunities to support your club's development.

Food and refreshments will be provided.

Book: Sign up here

Event: Safeguarding Connections – Every Contact Counts

When: Thursday 19 November, 10am to 6pm (drop in throughout the day)
What: Join local organisations for an engaging day of free safeguarding awareness sessions and network opportunities designed to help keep children, young people and adults safe.

Meet safeguarding professionals, discover local support and build your confidence and skills to recognise concerns and take the right action.

No need to book – just call in at a time to suit you.

Mental Health Resources

World Mental Health Day took place earlier this month, and Measha and Nicola spent time at an event in Wakefield raising awareness and sharing resources. The day in Wakefield, organised by Turning Point, is always an excellent chance to showcase the fantastic support and initiatives that are available to everyone in the district.

Sadly, an organisation that we’ve worked with in the past around suicide prevention have recently ceased work. Papyrus ran a helpline for young people and those who care for them, as well as providing training for staff and volunteers. Their absence will definitely be felt, and we wanted to take the opportunity to highlight some other organisations who can provide support around a variety of mental health needs.

If you visit this page on our website and scroll down there is a section which lists lots of national organisations. There will also be more localised support available in each of our districts. If you would like us to signpost you to the ones available to you please get in touch.

Women’s Safety – JogOn and Let’s Lift the Curfew

We’ve hit that time of year where darker nights and darker mornings are upon us. For female runners, this adds an extra element of planning and vigilance as the risk posed to their safety increases. Keep an eye out in your district for campaigns linked to this topic that you can be involved in.

The JogOn campaign runs in a few of our West Yorkshire districts and at Yorkshire Sport we’ve been delighted to be part of the Leeds and Wakefield initiatives. We can deliver Active Bystander sessions to running clubs who want to foster allyship amongst members.

Let’s Lift the Curfew is a national campaign promoted by Sport England and This Girl Can. Runs and events have been planned across districts in both South and West Yorkshire.

Safeguarding Adults Week

Promoted by Ann Craft Trust, Safeguarding Adults Week takes place from 16 – 22 November. This month’s theme is Every Voice, Every Choice. You can find out more and download resources on their webpage.

What will you be doing at your club or organisation to promote and raise awareness of this topic? Maybe there are things that you do throughout the year that you’d like to share with others to inspire them. We’d love to hear your ideas!

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

Douglas Blackwood- Sport Welfare Officer South Yorkshire
07702 557007 douglas.blackwood@yorkshiresport.org

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

Adam Fuller Designated Safeguarding Lead
07702 557008 adam.fuller@yorkshiresport.org

Becca Gallagher Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
​​​​​​​07964 209314​​​​​​​ becca.gallagher@yorkshiresport.org