Angus Sport and Physical Activity Framework Annual Review 2023
Local Context
TheAngus Sport and Physical Activity Framework launched in July 2021. The framework is guided by the six Active Scotland outcomes with local priorities identified to guide the delivery of the initial implementation.
This report provides an update on implementation to date, highlighting key areas of success in Year 2, as well as identifying priorities for Year 3. The report also asks the Community Planning Partnership to trace the progress so far, the refreshed priorities as we move towards Year 3, and the contribution this is making to the Community Plan 2022-2030. The ASPAF Planning Partnership makes a further request that partner organisations commit time and resource to continue to deliver the wider aims of the framework.
Year 2 has provided the planning partnership an opportunity to fully launch the framework following the softer launch in 2021 during the pandemic. This has seen the Partnership deliver the first ever partner collaboration event at Dundee and Angus College in November 2022, where key partners, local stakeholders and national governing body representatives were in
The purpose of the event was to highlight how the framework was designed and how it is currently functioning. The event allowed for vital feedback on the day, as well as through a subsequent online survey, which the Planning Partnership then used to update and adapt how the framework is coordinated and implemented. This feedback and the developing structure of the framework bring a focus on how local partners are already using the power of physical activity and sport to contribute to the priority outcomes in the Angus Community Plan 2022-2030.
There are clear direct examples of how this is the case within the ‘Caring for our People’ priority, some of which are highlighted later in this report. There is also a developing understanding of how collaboratively the partners involved in the implementation and evolution of the framework will impact on the priorities linked to ‘Economy’ and ‘Place’.
At the inception of the framework, there was formation of five working groups with representation from wider local partners and staff who were responsible for implementation, ongoing development, and reporting of progress against the national and local outcomes. Following all feedback, the Planning Partnership were able to make informed changes to certain aspects of how our local priorities are identified and implemented. A new working group designed specifically around “ensuring quality physical education, physical activity and sport opportunities for all children and young people” has been established, whilst a previous group which focussed on ensuring communities were empowered and at the centre of identifying needs has been discontinued. All four working groups will now operate with the underpinning principles that:
• Through a culture of inclusive planning and practice we will ensure people feel they belong and are welcome, engaged, and connected to sport and physical activity in Angus
• Commit to understanding our target population groups and the challenges they face, actively striving to gain a better understanding of barriers to physical activity and sport
• Support and work with our partners to promote clear, concise and tangible physical activity messages that are meaningful to the population of Angus, enabling and encouraging activity and overall health and wellbeing benefits
• Use the wide range of data sources available from all stakeholders to evidence need and drive planning
As we moved into 2023, we were delighted to update on all the changes digitally in March with our update newsletter followed by our second partner collaboration event in April. This event again was well attended by our key partners, local stakeholders, and National Governing Body representatives, where delegates heard more about the contributions from two partner projects making a real impact in their communities.
The case studies of ‘Ladyloan Without Limits’ and the joint work of ‘Strathmore Community Rugby Trust & Strathmore Cricket Club’ are highlighted later in this report. The event also highlighted the relaunch of ANGUSalive and sportscotland’s “Community Sport Hubs” programme and gave the attendees a better understanding of how community mapping and profiling will guide and support the hub programme moving forward.
Highlights
Highlights
Year 2 highlights:
• Dundee and Angus College have established and enhanced deeper, more meaningful partnerships both internally and externally to drive sustainability and ensure the best possible experience and outcomes for learners, employers, and the wider region to support the framework now and within the future.
Curriculum and services are being delivered in new and innovative ways that drive success and are engaging, flexible and streamlined.
• Learn to Swim officially launched at Forfar Community Campus in partnership with ANGUSalive & Scottish Swimming, attended by Great Britain’s most decorated swimmer in Olympic Games history
Duncan Scott MBE• Active Schools saw a continued recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic and this year over 8000 extracurricular physical activity sessions were on offer, delivered by over 440 volunteers
• 181 Higher Education pupils completed education courses through the Sports Leadership Academy (19 different courses were delivered)
• New 3G surface laid at Forfar Athletic FC using the new Scottish FA Facility Fund
• New 3G surface and asset transfer of Arbroath High School Astro to Skilz Academy, part funded by sportscotland’s Sports Facility Fund, Place Based Investment Fund, Seagreen Community Fund and Angus Council Participatory Fund
• The launch of a new Athlete Support Programme for young aspiring athletes “Developing Athlete Support Angus”
• Over £150k of funding attracted to Angus through sport and physical activity type projects and initiatives including “Awards for All Funding”
Priorities
of the Framework working groups for 2023/2024 are as follows:
Develop a skilled network of people to deliver sport in Angus
• Development of an Angus Club and Community organisation online tool to support safeguarding and development
• Support Community Sport Hubs network to understand community mapping and identify local need
• Create a more aligned, person centred higher and further education placement offering that puts the needs of the individual first
We ensure quality physical education, physical activity and sport opportunities for all children and young people in Angus
• Development of an Early year/First Level motor skills development programme, aimed at helping teachers and parents understand whether their child is meeting key developmental milestones in terms of their physical literacy and improving confidence in engaging in activity opportunities. To be piloted in a small number of schools during the 23/24 session
• Developing a clearer and more consistent evaluation process for the sites delivering the primary swim programme across Angus, to ensure this can be used to identify children and young people needing further support and improving data sharing with the ANGUSalive LTS offer. Initial pilot to target non swimmers in P6/7 who have already had their primary school swimming input during the summer of 23/24
• Pilot of a secondary PE department supporting and delivering primary PE in an associated cluster primary school
• Closer collaboration between ANGUSalive and Early Years’ service to promote pre-school activities and look at direct support/tasters to EY settings
Ensuring sport and physical activity is accessible and inclusive for everyone in Angus/Social Prescribing and closer links to Health and Social Care Partnership
• Develop a communications plan and campaign around physical activity messaging ‘What is PA?’, How much is enough?, ‘Am I active?’ and What is available for me?’
• Development and delivery of Angus Green Health Partnership
• Continued support to Primary, Secondary and Community services and organisations to adopt and implement National Physical Activity Pathway
• Ensure there is clear and collaborative communications approach for engaging residents in sport and physical activity
• Map, develop and implement the support for local athletes on the pathway to performance sport
• Support clubs and Community Sport Hub’s in their aspiration to develop local infrastructure
• Have strong and sustainable sports clubs that are an integral part of our communities
*Please note the Pathways group leadership & representation has recently changed and are working towards a refocused set of priorities based on current need’*
Case Study Ladyloan Without Limits Year 1 Evaluation
In2022, Active Schools and Ladyloan Primary School shared a vision for a collaborative project with partners from NHS, Community Learning and Development and Period Poverty. The project was designed to allow pupils (girls in particular) and their families to be educated, inspired, motivated, and physically supported to participate in regular and lifelong physical activity and sport, reducing health inequalities. This project was titled ‘Ladyloan Without Limits.’
The Rationale:
Local data told us that pupils in the Ladyloan Primary School catchment area were:
·• Less likely to attend a free activity/sport opportunity (due to projected future costs, clothing costs, home support, education, self-confidence)
·• More likely to drop out of a community-based sports club (running costs, confidence, support)
·• Girls were more likely to drop out of Secondary School based physical activity/sport
·• Girls were less likely to try new opportunities at Secondary School
·• Girls were far less likely to attend any activity than boys
·• Ladyloan girls were not socially, emotionally, physically, or mentally prepared to participate in activity and as a result would receive none of the health benefits
The ‘Ladyloan Without Limits’ intervention provides additional resources and experiences directly to the pupil and family to support closing the attainment gap, help tackle childhood poverty, and increase the health and wellbeing of low-income households or those living in poverty.
Intended Outcomes:
Sport & Physical Activity for Inclusion:
1) Pupils, including those who do not traditionally take part in activity to be more socially, emotionally and physically able to take part and remain in sport or physical activity
2) Pupils who have disabilities, are care-experienced or for whom English is an additional language are more able to take part in sport and physical activity
Sport & physical activity for health & wellbeing:
3) Pupils are happier and more confident to participate in activity
4) Pupils participating in the programme will be more able to engage in healthy behaviours and understand the importance and benefits of leading a healthy and active lifestyle
Case Study
Ladyloan Without Limits Year 1 Evaluation
Key successes in 2022/23:
In Year 1 the project has engaged 35 girls from P6/7 with >90% staying in the programme for the full year. This includes:
• 8 girls with a registered additional support need
• 11 girls from a single parent household with no other family support and only 1 income source
• 2 girls with care experience
• 7 girls who have/live with someone with a physical disability
• 9 girls who have English as an additional language
• The girls have had weekly nutrition and cooking sessions and tried a wide variety of foods
• The girls have cooked and served a 3-course meal for their families
• The girls have had weekly guidance and support from staff, Community Learning and Development Workers
• Each girl has achieved a Dynamic Youth Award
• The girls have experienced over 20 different sports and activities including trips and inspirational athlete visits
• The girls have watched national and international matches in both football and netball
• Each girl was gifted a full training kit from Macron (bag, t-shirt, and training top), leggings, a health and wellbeing kit (shower gel, toothpaste and toothbrush, sponge, shampoo and conditioner, period products, hairbrush and hair ties)
• Each girl received an activity monitor to encourage physical activity
• Girls have reported improved confidence, improved self-esteem, resilience and improved skill levels overall
• Girls have reported that attending ‘Ladyloan Without Limits’ has contributed to them participating in more extra-curricular and community sport clubs
• 21 P5 girls have joined for 23/24 session
Case Study Strathmore Cricket Club & Strathmore Community Rugby Trust
The project programme comprises:
• Sporting memories sessions delivered communities and settings
• Arts, cultural, learning, and therapeutic activities that reflect the interests and needs of participants
month, all of whom are living with a long-term health condition and who benefit from the social contact and physical activities that the sessions offer.
Strathmore Cricket Club and Strathmore Community Rugby Trust are working together to deliver a health and well-being programme which seeks to contribute to the physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing of adults in the Forfar and Kirriemuir areas.
Strathmore Cricket Club is a community-based sports club with an overt commitment to utilising the sport of cricket and the club’s facilities for wider community benefit and as a tool to change people’s lives. The Club has an inclusive cricket offer for people of all ages and abilities. The Club is currently used for a Cricket Café, a Dementia Meeting Centre, ccommunity meetings and informal learning activities.
Strathmore Community Rugby Trust is a well-established and highly regarded charitable organisation with a strong commitment to using sport to achieve important social and health outcomes, including improvements to mental health and well-being. It seeks to develop people through rugby and through its community projects including autism-friendly rugby, walking rugby, rugby, rugby academy (secondary school aged participants), Brechin High School curriculum project, Strathie Pups (under Impaired Rugby.
The two organisations recognise the potential for improving outcomes through effective collaboration and have been working together for two years to deliver multi-activity sports camps as part of the Angus Holiday Food and Summer Fun initiatives.
This project presented the organisations with a first opportunity to build and deliver something together, capitalising on their respective networks and strengths. It seeks to prevent mental illness by delivering opportunities that help people to feel positive about themselves, their lives and the future. It delivers a programme of mental and emotional health and wellbeing, promoting activities open to the whole community but targeted particularly towards people experiencing significant wellbeing challenges including social isolation, poverty, unemployment and significant changes to their health and lifestyle.
Activities are delivered by a combination of project staff, skilled freelance practitioners, and external providers.
The project seeks to complement and add value to the successful initiatives already operating, strengthening Forfar Loch and its surrounds as a mini hub for wellbeing activities.
The project benefits from funding provided through the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund (Phase One) and the Tayside & Fife Regional Sporting Partnership (TFRSP) Sport & Physical Activity Fund. The opportunity to bring these two funding sources together has made it possible to run the project over a longer period of time, allowing it to become established, build its reputation and make a positive contribution to participants’ lives.
Evaluation to date has been light touch and focused on operational matters and ensuring that the sessions offered are meeting the needs and satisfying the interests of participants. Almost all feedback has been positive, and participants’ sense of enjoyment is evident in their engagement and participation.
As the project moves forward, the evaluative focus will shift to longer term and more significant outcomes. It will gather information on the extent to which participants feel relaxed, feel good about themselves, feel interested in, connected and close to other people, feel confident are empowered to make decisions, feel optimistic about the future and feel useful. These indicators will be used selectively in ways which reflect the delivery contexts and needs of participants.
- for people of all ages. It has also supported Communities Team.
The next stage in the project’s development will be the launch of a “sports and social club for older people” initiative, which will offer a programme of activities that run throughout the week in Forfar - offering older people opportunities to make friends, socialise, reconnect with sport and have fun. This new phase of the work will include a wider range of national and local partners including The Sporting Memories Foundation, Age Scotland and a group of local sports and social organisations which share the aims of reducing isolation and promoting wellbeing.
Appendix 1
Angus Sport and Physical Activity Planning Partnership - List of Group Members
Angus Council | sportscotland | Dundee and Angus College
ANGUSalive | NHS Tayside | Voluntary Action Angus
July 2023