5 minute read
Interview: Lyndsey Barratt
LYNDSEY BARRETT
We talk to the founder of Sport For Confi dence, a social enterprise which uses sport and physical activity to enhance people’s wellbeing
Advertisement
What is Sport For Confi dence and what does it do?
Sport for Confidence has a vision to tackle inequalities and create an equitable society where everyone can enjoy community spaces that promote movement, activity, wellbeing and friendship.
Currently, in the UK, many people such as those with a physical or mental impairment and those living with a long term health condition who could hugely benefit from regular participation in sport and physical activity face barriers which make access extremely difficult. Some very common barriers include: a lack of provision in terms of inclusive programming,
Sport For Confidence engages more than 2,500 people every month
physical inaccessibility caused by the environment, transport issues and cost.
Sport For Confidence brings together the expertise of occupational therapists and sports coaches. Together, our teams use sport and physical activity to create inclusive, person-centred, opportunities that break down barriers to participation and drive positive occupational outcomes.
Few of our participants arrive at our door with the primary aim of improving physical fitness. Mostly, they attend to feel valued, make friends, build vocational skills, manage their health and enjoy themselves. Therefore, we take a holistic, whole person approach empowering each individual to work towards highly bespoke goals.
Over the last 6 years we have developed a ‘no labels’ occupational model of practice which caters for, and welcomes, everyone. Our model is evidence-based. All our delivery decisions result from a mix of indepth clinical reasoning, feedback from our participants and regular consultation with our growing network of community partners.
Where did the idea for it come from?
Sport for Confidence was established by 2015, when, as an occupational therapist of nineteen years working for the NHS, I recognised the potential in taking occupational therapy practice outside of its clinical setting and moving it into the community.
I have always been a keen sportsperson and recognised the huge value that could be gained from using sport and physical activity as a platform to drive positive occupational outcomes.
I began Sport For Confidence working with a single client at Basildon Sporting Village. Today, Sport For Confidence engages more than 2,500 people every month. Most of our interventions are in-person at either leisure centres or in care homes although we also reach people in their homes through our virtual Stay Connected service.
Why is it so important to tackle inequality in sport?
At the moment, those who could arguably gain the most health and social advantage from physical activity are not doing so. This needs to change and it is in our gift to change it. 1 in 4 people in the UK live with a disability but are almost twice as likely (43%) to be inactive (Sport England Active Lives Survey). In addition, an estimated 40 per cent of the population is living with a long term health condition. The vast majority of these individuals are reliant on the already stretched NHS for their treatment and care plans. Unfortunately, there is a disparity between the positive impact physical activity could deliver to these populations and the number of people who are taking advantage of this benefit.
© EDWARD STARR PHOTOGRAPHER
One in four people in the UK live with a disability
At Sport for Confidence we are creating opportunities for everyone to participate and to gain, from the sessions, personalised outcomes most relevant to them. If we do not tackle inequalities in sport, significant segments of the population will continue to be excluded. This is to the detriment not only of that individual but also to the population as a whole as it limits collective prosperity.
Could you share an anecdote/story on how sport has changed someone’s life?
It’s so difficult to pick out one story because every one of our participants is on their own, very individual journey and whilst not all outcomes make great media headlines they are all potentially life changing for the individual. That said, one case study does stand out.
A young man with autism, who we shall call ‘Keith’, was referred to Sport For Confidence just after he lost his job. An occupational therapy assessment identified he lacked a balance in his occupations and had limited structure to daily activities. He also had difficulty with social communication and interaction skills and was keen to develop vocational skills to secure new, paid employment.
Sport For Confidence creates opportunities for everyone to participate in physical activity
Lyndsey worked for the NHS as a therapist for 19 years
Keith attended Sport for Confidence groups which increased opportunities to engage in sociable activities, practice his social communication and interaction skills; increase his circle of support and make new friends. Keith begin to establish a rapport with others and spent time with individuals who had similar interests and sporting ability. Keith also demonstrated good physical competencies in a number of sports. As a result of his progress and positive reinforcement from the coach, Keith gained the self-confidence he needed to extend his sporting participation to other local sports clubs outside of Sport For Confidence, including a climbing club, which were incorporated into a weekly routine.
Through Sport For Confidence, Keith was also referred to an employment specialist to support him through the process of securing paid employment. The specialist observed Keith in Sport For Confidence sessions and worked with our occupational therapist team to investigate voluntary work to re-establish routine, improve mood and motivate him to continue to search for paid work. Observations from our team, Keith’s employment advisor, and his wider support network, recognised that he was developing and applying social skills learnt in the sessions to other areas of his life. The group setting created the opportunity to for him to improve his self-esteem and confidence, whilst provide regular opportunities for success. ●
