Annual Report 2020 - 21
Contents Chair's introduction
4
CEO's introduction
6
Our first six months
8
What we do
9
Our values
10
Our services
12
Open data
18
Social prescribing
20
Cannock Chase wayfinding demonstration project
22
Obesity whole systems approach
24
School Games
26
Primary PE and Sport Premium
28
Children and Young People Active Lives Survey
36
Satellite Clubs
38
Workforce
44
Tackling Inequalities Fund and COVID-19 support
46
Safer Together Through Sport
49
Governance and finance
50
Chair's introduction
Malcolm Armstrong Chair of the Board of Trustees Together Active
There can be few people who would
Together Active as the key charity
have believed that this last year
concerned with physical activity
could have been so challenging for
and sport in our sub-region has a
us as country or indeed for the world
huge role to play in the next 12
as COVID-19 gripped our whole way
months, and beyond, as we launch
of life. Many families in
our new strategy in the "new
Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent will
normal” world. Fortunately, we are
have been traumatised by the
in a great position to help now that
experience of COVID as we continue
the transition to an independent
to grapple with the effects on the
charity is complete. We have a new
health and wealth of the nation. We
and vibrant team well led and
all have a role to play in keeping
organised by Jude Taylor and Jane
each other safe as we deal with
Kracke and a much more mature
what can only be described as a
relationship with Sport England. I
tsunami of illness which has
am proud of the team and their
affected every aspect of our
energy for change.
wellbeing. There has been an increasing amount of evidence to suggest that some groups in society have been more adversely affected than others and the divisions have been accentuated.
All of the Active Partnerships across
We have introduced interim drop-in
England will be working to address
sessions for Board members; 1:1,
some of the deep-rooted causes of the
pairing of Board members and team
nation’s wellbeing issues. We will be
and a much more effective use of
focused and relentless in our ambition
subgroups such as the PALS
to really work together. We will bring
meeting (Physical Activity
people together through physical
Leadership in Staffordshire). We
activity to improve circumstances for
have established a task group to
those in some of the most deprived
focus on some of the big issue
areas of our county and city. We have
around equality, diversity, and
already begun this work through the
inclusion. We are lucky to have such
Tackling Inequalities Fund which has
a gifted and talented Board and I am
enabled many groups to survive the
grateful for their contribution. It has
pandemic with their doors closed. The
been hugely helpful to me as Chair
process has brought a new
to see so many of the Board
understanding of what actually
members going the extra mile as
happens at the micro level in
something I call “Trustees with
communities and has given us the
responsibility”.
insight to guide our new four-year strategy. There are several other big
I am mindful of the huge potential
initiatives already in place for the
for improving the wellbeing of our
coming year and I look forward to
population through physical activity
these as the team move ahead with
and sport. It is our task in the years
pace.
ahead to coordinate those many groups, agencies, and individuals in
The Board has developed new and
our sub-region to build a stronger,
innovative ways of working and
safer more equitable society. We will
supporting yet challenging the team.
always listen, learn, and act in ways that align with our values. We have quite a year ahead!
CEO's introduction
Jude Taylor CEO, Together Active
Nobody could have predicted 2020.
We realigned our resource to deliver five
A global pandemic impacted all our
strands of activity;
lives in ways we could never have imagined.
Supporting people to stay active Activating our volunteers
COVID-19 is the greatest public
Connecting our sector
health crisis the world has seen in
Supporting our professionals &
over 100 years. It is an event that will
volunteers
leave its mark on our lives and our
Strengthening our community
sector forever, but while times have
groups
been difficult for us all, we’ve pivoted, innovated and found our
I would like to personally thank each
rightful place as a key player in
staff member, both past and present, for
prevention and recovery. I have never
the commitment, dedication and
been prouder to do the work that we
determination shown during this period.
do.
You were, and are, quite simply outstanding.
During the early stages of the pandemic, SASSOT moved quickly to adapt and respond to local need. It became clear that our role as a trusted adviser and connector would be critical.
One of our most significant
This money will ensure that
achievements over the past twelve
organisations will be sustained through
months has been the move to
the pandemic and supported to amplify
independence. In September 2020, we
their sport and physical activity offer to
established Together Active, a
those who need it most.
Charitable Incorporated Organisation, realising our vision of building a more financially stable, responsive, and effective organisation. My thanks to the Board of Trustees, and in particular the Independence Working Group, for their vision and support.
The COVID-19 pandemic has not only led to fundamental changes in behaviours but broader societal attitudes towards physical activity. We are taking a greater interest in our physical health than ever before, and physical activity is central to this. During
The delivery of the Tackling
lockdown, exercise was one of four
Inequalities Fund has been an
permissible reasons to leave home; it
instrumental tool in supporting
was considered as important as food
community organisations and our
and medicine. This spotlight comes
priority audiences to maintain
with significant responsibility and
positive activity behaviours
possibility, and we look to the future
throughout lockdown. It has
with great optimism.
challenged us to think about how we
Over the last few months, we started a
tackle inactivity in Staffordshire and
conversation with you, our partners,
Stoke-on-Trent and shone a light on
about our new strategy, Step Up,
the inequalities faced by many of
launching in April. It is as ambitious as
our local communities. Working in
it is stretching and we simply cannot go
collaboration with partners we have
it alone; collaboration is its central
distributed £160,000 worth of
theme.
funding to 44 community groups, with a further £96,000 in process.
We welcome you to come join us as we work towards active lives, healthy futures.
The first six months One of our most significant
We have always recognized that the
achievements of the past twelve
strength of our organization is our
months has been the move to
people, and we were delighted to
independence,. In September, we
recruit four new members of staff and
established Together Active, a
two new Board members, giving us an
Charitable Incorporated Organisation
injection of capacity, skills, and
realising our vision of building a
enthusiasm.
more financially resilient, responsive, and effective organisation.
During the autumn we undertook a significant consultation exercise.
The birth of any new organization
Hearing your views and feedback has
requires detailed planning. A huge
allowed us to shape the direction of
amount of work was undertaken to
our new strategy, but also our
ensure our back office operations
organizational culture.
were effective and efficient, which also included locating a new office
We are excited about the new phase of
space. Unfortunately, due to COVID-
our journey and look forward to
19, we have spent very little time
working with you, our partners, in the
together in our new home, but when
future.
restrictions allow, we look forward to working alongside VCSE partners in The Hub, Stafford.
What we do Together Active is a network of local agencies committed to working together to increase the number of people taking part in physical activity and sport. We are part of an England-wide network of 43 Active Partnerships and are currently funded by Sport England, along with along with some of our Local Authorities and our two Universities. Our new strategy, Step Up, runs from 2021 – 25, and focuses on four key areas:
Systems leadership
Environment
Bringing communities, Local
Working with partners to develop
Authorities, providers and health
new ways to enable increased
services together to tackle the
access to the local environment,
complex issues around inactivity,
engaging communities and
obesity and poor physical and
encouraging increased physical
mental health.
activity in nature.
Communities & people
Advice, influence & information
Social prescribing will be a priority
Supporting our networks to signpost
for us, supporting health
into physical activity, reach new
professionals through training,
participants, operate efficiently and
informing and digital technologies to
effectively and have the tools, skills
confidently refer patients into
and knowledge to be able to run safe,
physical activities locally.
inclusive, impactful activities.
Our values We believe in the power of physical activity and sport. We know that even small changes in activity levels can have a big impact on people’s health and wellbeing. We understand that the people who would benefit most are the least likely to take part. Physical activity changes how we feel, it connects us, and adds healthy years to our lives. We want everyone in Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent to have the opportunity to experience this. It’s a big job. Underpinning everything we do is our organisational DNA, our values.
We are focused. Everything we do will help people be more active.
We are inclusive. We leave nobody behind. We do not accept that characteristics like age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity or income should determine your access to activity.
Our values
We are engaged. We listen first. We always seek to understand.
We are relentless. We are passionate about the importance of sport and physical activity.
We are collaborative. We never go it alone. We work to develop collaborations that are capable of sparking change.
We are effective. We will demonstrate the impact of our work using clinical, economic and social measures and support our partners in doing the same.
Our services Through our experience and expertise, we have developed a range of services to support local organisations to get everyone more active, more often.
Developing the workforce Expansion into delivering a Physical activity advocacy
course to raise the
training for health
confidence and know-how of
professionals
link workers to socially prescribe activity
Introductory training on the principles of behaviour change
Advice on how to use the ringSports Leaders UK training
fenced Primary PE and School
courses
Sport Premium impactfully and sustainably
Bespoke support from PE and CPD and training for schools to
school sport specialists for
Head Teacher briefings to
assist the improvement of their
individual primary schools to
help ensure requirements
school sport and PE offer
produce a whole-school action
are met
plan
Training on the use and
Guidance and training on how to
Basic safeguarding
application of key insight
monitor and evaluate services
awareness and policy
resources
and interventions
development training
UK Coaching courses including: Recruiting, training and Club Matters workshops
deploying volunteers to support School Games and community activities
Equity in Coaching, Inclusive Activity Programme, Mental Health Awareness, Safeguarding and Unconscious Bias
Developing activity provision Bespoke support to
Advice and guidance on
providers to develop funding
funding opportunities
applications
Brokering relationships to
Co-ordinating larger
improve the strategic fit of
multiagency applications
applications
Delivering the School Games Managing delivery of
County Festival events and
nationally-funded
coordinating the annual
programmes
calendar of School Games events
Raising awareness of funding opportunities through newsletters, funding fairs, workshops, social media and our website
Developing insight and shaping policy Providing objective Using insight to inform
consultative advice and
service delivery and policy
guidance to review and
development
evaluate strategic plans and policies.
Understanding local communities:
Helping Sport England recruit
using data analysis to
schools for the Children &
understand where much needed
Young People’s Active Lives
funding will have the most
survey
impact Facilitation & management Sharing research and insight resources from local and national sources
of networking opportunities to support knowledge transfer and strategic collaboration, with a focus on COVID recovery across the sector
Providing strategic leadership for the sport and physical activity agenda through lobbying and influencing key networks and organisations
Developing marketing & communications
Supporting national physical activity campaigns and tailoring them for the local community.
Creating and sharing inspirational and motivating content for accessing physical activity.
Developing a clear and identifiable personality, known as an expert in the field with well-informed opinions and guidance for the sector.
Being a leader on the uptake of open data, supporting the sector to take up the new technology, providing guidance, insight and information.
Celebrating the successes of our partners and sharing them for a greater recognition of the role they play in supporting the health and wellbeing of the community.
Developing campaigns in partnership with local organisations to bring clear, useful and informative guidance to the community about ways to be physically active.
Open data Active My Way
In 2019 SASSOT began a
As Together Active, we have
partnership with Played and
continued increasing the visibility
Imin to deliver a local activity
of this piece of work. The activity
finder powered through the use
finder is now live at
of open data, called Active My
www.activemyway.org and we
Way.
have been busy supporting local activity providers to open their
Open data allows activity
data so that they can be found
providers to share their
on it.
sessions online, so that participants can find and book
We have held several workshops
them easily. By uploading the
and one-to-one sessions with
details of an activity to one
local authorities and activity
location, activity finders like
providers over the past six
ours, as well as many others
months, and have developed our
such as This Girl Can or
relationship with Open Active,
National Fitness Day’s, can pull
supporting other active
that information through and
partnerships with advice,
display it in multiple locations
guidance and best practice on
on the internet or within apps.
supporting uptake of open data in their areas.
We have worked hard to
COVID-19 has meant that this
develop the platform itself, with
has all been a lot more difficult
increased information about
than we expected.
how to be more active, tips for getting started in a variety of
The strain clubs and groups have
sports, a comprehensive video
been under just to keep going
on demand library with specific
has meant focus on shifting their
activities for people with health
booking systems has been lost.
conditions or disabilities, and information particular to health
However, with our persistence
professionals looking to
and partnership work, we are
support their patients to move
building real momentum which
more.
we believe will create a burst of activity as restrictions ease.
And as part of our work training social prescribers, we are explaining how the activity finder can be used as a tool to refer patients into activities easily, by having the latest, upto-date information at their fingertips.
Social Prescribing We recognise the importance of
In turn, these link workers play an
community connections in
integral role in getting people
creating and maintaining healthy
moving.
lifestyles. Social Prescribing is all about putting the person at
We will also support local
the heart of their choices when it
communities’ groups to become
comes to their health and well-
“referral ready” providing training
being. The referrals link workers
and support to provide a quality
receive generally, but not
experience for people with a range
exclusively, come from health
of backgrounds.
care professionals such as GPs or nurses. Through training, we will instil link workers with the skills and confidence to talk about Physical Activity and its benefits, all of which is heavily underpinned by the principles and applications of behaviour change theory.
Our activity finder, Active My Way
This will be a particular help in
is an open data powered platform
reaching new participants and
which enables the residents of
increasing physical activity levels.
Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent to discover and book what
We are also developing our links
activities are available to them
with the health system to aid
locally with ease and
referrals into physical activity
convenience.
through social prescribing, particularly for residents with long-
Working closely with local
term conditions or mental health
providers, we are educating clubs
issues. Active My Way and open
and groups on the benefits of
data will mean everyone can see
moving onto open data platforms
the latest, up-to-date information
and embracing digital.
about their local clubs and groups, and create dynamic routes into activity.
Cannock Chase wayfinding demonstration project As part of providing a legacy
District Council and Cannock
from the Birmingham
Chase AONB Partnership and
Commonwealth Games 2022,
succeeded in securing £200,000.
which features mountain biking events at Birches Valley in
The bid was successful because
Cannock Chase, we had the
of the collective knowledge,
opportunity to bid for some
expertise, and experience of
wayfinding demonstration
partners round the ‘virtual’ table,
funding from Sport England.
all united in the view that Cannock Chase is a beautiful
In a short timeframe we
landscape and an asset which
collaborated with a range of
local people should be able to
partners including Staffordshire
gain health benefits from whilst
County Council, Inspiring
protecting it for future
Healthy Lifestyles, Cannock
generations.
Chase
Greenspace really is our natural
These rest stops will also
health service, and the aim of
incorporate distance way
this project is to connect local
markers with embedded digital
communities actively and
QR codes to measure increases
emotionally from Hednesford
in distance walked and provide
North to Cannock Chase via the
personal fitness targets. The QR
existing Heritage Trail using
codes will be interactive and
innovative and wayfinding tools,
themed with content co-
physical infrastructure
produced by the local community
improvements to trails and
and evolving and changing over
clearer signage.
time, much as the seasons do. This content will include links to
The route will incorporate
the new Cannock Chase Can app
artistically co-designed rest
which will incorporate several
stops inspired by the natural
wellbeing challenges and goal
landscape of Cannock Chase to
setting tools for this project.
support people with mobility issues, long term conditions and
This project offers a unique
young families to walk from
opportunity to leave a
their doorstep to Marquis Drive
meaningful legacy from the
Visitor Centre, or as far as they
Games to local people by local
would like.
people.
Obesity Whole systems approach As part of our ongoing commitment to health and our strategic relationship with the Staffordshire Health and Wellbeing Board we are working with Public Health colleagues to develop a Whole Systems Approach to tackle the complex issue of obesity in Staffordshire.
Understanding the local picture This involves a 6 phase ‘how to’
There are 3 pathfinder areas for
process from understanding the local
this work, Cannock, East
drivers of overweight and obesity,
Staffordshire, and Staffordshire
engaging a wide range of
Moorlands. Work so far has
stakeholders, including communities,
been around developing the
to conducting system mapping and
local picture, gathering insight,
action planning workshops, to
and mapping local assets and
reviewing and adapting the approach.
services.
There are so many causes of excess weight, but an example of how part of a system influences our choices would be to consider how the physical environment can make cycling and walking an easy and attractive option or a more challenging activity.
40.2% of Stoke-on-Trent children are living with obesity or overweight by Year 6
65% of Staffordshire residents are overweight or living with obesity
What’s next? The local engagement process will begin in late spring and summer with a series of workshops to consider how the local system is operating and where there are the greatest opportunities for change. Stakeholders will agree actions and decide as a network how to work together to bring about sustainable, long-term systems change.
School Games The 2020 School Games local
All the sports were designed so
competition programmes were
that young people could take
already up and running and plans for
part either at home, in the
the annual Finals Day in June were
garden, at school or in open
well under way when the country
spaces near to where they live.
went into lockdown. It was important that pupils This meant that, along with the rest
knew that they were representing
of the world, a change of approach
their school and district and had
was needed and on the 1st June
the opportunity to become
2020 the first ever Staffordshire and
County champions. In total 6
Stoke-on-Trent Virtual School Games
final events were held with the
was launched by Together Active
winners being announced at a
and the sub-region’s School Games
virtual presentation day in July
Organisers (SGOs, who manage the
which included both an opening
local competition programmes).
and closing ceremony.
74 young people engaged as volunteers prior to COVID 434 schools involved in the Virtual School Games 2020 581 school teams competing in the Virtual School Games 2020
Virtual events have continued as
Credit must go to all the SGOs,
part of the planning for 2021 with
teachers, parents and, of course,
new ideas and new formats being
young people who have embraced
developed. Events such as Cross
the virtual games and made it a
Country, Dance, the Three Peaks
success. We are now once again
Challenge, Football, Netball,
planning for face-to-face activity in
Boccia, Athletics and Fitness
the not-too-distant future, but the
events are all on the menu, and so
School Games will continue to
far 14,421 children have been
evolve.
involved at local level. We are looking to explore new Each SGO will shortly collate
ways in which we can provide more
scores from all their competitions,
opportunities for young people who
with the winners being put forward
do not regularly engage in school
to Together Active for the County
sport, or whose activity levels have
Champions to be crowned.
been negatively impacted due to
Medals and trophies will be
COVID-19 and believe the School
presented at a virtual ceremony at
Games is a powerful tool to help us
the end of summer term.
achieve this.
Primary PE and Sport Premium All Primary Schools have the
This provides them with the
objective of achieving self-
knowledge, skills, and motivation
sustaining improvement in the
necessary to equip them for a
quality of PE and sport. Active
healthy lifestyle and lifelong
Partnerships are contracted by
participation in physical activity
Sport England to proactively
and sport.
coordinate support with national and local partners to help primary
Together Active works with
schools maximise the impact of
Accelerate Learning, Stoke City
Primary PE and Sport Premium.
Community Trust and Trentham High School to offer targeted
The long-term vision is that all
school support across
pupils leave primary school
Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
physically literate.
During the 2020-21 academic year: 24 Primary Schools have accessed one-to-one in-depth support. This includes working with the school to develop a long-term vision for PE, sport, health and whole school improvement. 145 accessed Head Teacher/ Governor/ Bursar briefings or updates Covering PE and sports funding best practice and requirements 180+ accessed PE network meetings or virtual PE chat nights 350+ downloaded free resources of supporting materials. 250+ engaged in either face to face or virtual CPD opportunities
We have seen significant increased in the take up from schools this year, due to the flexibility of online and catch-up sessions rather than having to come out on face-to-face events and training. This work will ensure Primary Schools in our area are supported to achieve the outcomes of the Primary PE and Sport Premium:
The engagement of all pupils in regular physical activity The profile of PE and sport being raised across the school as a tool for whole school improvement. Increased confidence, knowledge and skills of all staff in teaching PE and sport Broader experience of a range of sports and activities offered to all pupils. Increased participation in competitive sport
School Spotlight PE in difficult times New PE lead Jo Carter at New
She has looked through and
Ford Academy School took on the
updated the PE planning and
role at a difficult time due to
assessment documentation
lockdown and the restrictions
including a progression of skills
placed upon schools.
document ensuring these are aligned to her curriculum aims.
Despite this, Jo has worked hard over the year to review and
She has also been one of the
develop the school’s PE
first delegates to begin the Level
curriculum, physical activity
4 qualification in improving
programme and sports provision.
pupil’s emotional health through
She has used this time to
PE. This has given her a focus
undertake the Level 5 Certificate in
and understanding of wider
Primary School Physical Education
emotional health and wellbeing
Specialism Course and as part of
objectives that can be developed
this has revamped her PE
and improved through PE and
curriculum map, gearing this
she is looking to weave this into
around her vision for what she
her provision as well.
wants pupils to achieve and gain from PE lessons.
Impact
As a result of this work the profile of PE and sport has been raised throughout the school and there is now a cohesive vision and documentation in place to support PE. Pupils have settled well despite the changes and home schooling and are now benefitting from enhanced lessons and increased opportunities on the curriculum. They are more engaged in their learning and their emotional health and wellbeing and resilience has improved.
around PE in the school provides a good grounding for sustainable improvements both in the short and long term and ensures all pupils receive high quality experiences.
S u s t ainability
These changes and the good pedagogy
Primary PE and Sport Premium Virtual support Due to tiered restrictions and
NQTs and inexperienced
national lockdowns, there was a
teachers were targeted to
need to be creative in how local
participate in an online learning
primary school personnel
course with added 1 to 1 time to
experience continual professional
support further needs. Some of
development for the benefit of
the teachers signed up for the
their pupils. Welcome to the virtual
course as they had little or no
era of school support.
training in PE on their teacher training courses, due to Covid or
One illustration of this was that of
in a placement with a class where
Stoke City Community Trust, who
the teacher did not teach any
assessed the need and designed a
Physical Education.
bespoke programme that would still support teachers in their knowledge and confidence in delivering high quality Physical Education.
The delivery focused on upskilling 14 teachers from 12 different schools on specific themes and activities, via a webinar series over two months. The sessions covered: Principles of Physical Education Physical Education in the current situation with ‘Classroom PE’ and ‘Box to Box’ activities Behaviour Management in Physical Education Planning and Assessment Specific activity related ideas. All content included takeaway resources, video footage to bring the content to life and time to comment or ask questions. Further tailored advice for individual teachers including one-to-one online sessions were offered to the cohort. The idea that Physical Education is not just physical , and that the themes of Social / Emotional and Thinking are equally important, were the most significant messages that teachers took from the course.
Lockdown provided an opportunity for teachers to have some intense training on a variety of PE specific themes and activities. The virtual training addressed a gap that was not being effectively catered for due to increased restrictions with covid regulations including lack of opportunity to be involved in PE
Impact
lessons.
Some teachers were able to explore the content of the sessions with Key Worker children and reported back their effectiveness, particularly the Classroom based Physical Education ideas.
Every teacher reported an increase in their knowledge, skills and confidence in Physical Education.
Many of the teachers have expressed an interest in further CPD once restrictions are relaxed to build on their confidence with specific support for them with their class.
Teacher feedback “The course has made me reflect on my own teaching and given me new ideas for effective PE lessons.” - NM
“I have learnt that P.E has different elements, I only ever thought of it as physical however I have learnt that it is much more than this.” - RD
“I feel I have more of an understanding and better knowledge of how I can progress the more able children in PE.” - RB
“My attitude and confidence in PE has changed.” - RJ
Children and young people Active Lives Survey Together Active worked alongside
During this unprecedented year,
primary, middle and secondary
Sport England adapted the
schools in Staffordshire and
survey so it could be filled in
Stoke-on-Trent to facilitate Sport
from home, and Together Active
England’s Active Lives Children
worked with schools across the
and Young People Survey,
sub-region to aid the most
throughout a year of rolling
completions as possible, whilst
school closures due to Covid-19,
schools were undergoing
gaining responses from just under
massive disruption and change.
1000 children. As expected, the resultant The yearly report derived from the
sample was smaller than usual,
survey, summarises activity levels
however the data gathered is
and attitudinal data of children
invaluable to show how
and young people from 5-16 years
lockdowns and school closures
of age. It gives an idea of overall
have impacted on children and
activity levels both in and out of
young people’s physical activity
the school setting, types of
and wellbeing.
activity undertaken, and the impact physical activity has on mental wellbeing, amongst other topics.
Mike Randles, Assistant Head Teacher and P.E. Lead at the William Shrewsbury School, administered the survey with his students during the lockdown period, commented:
‘’The survey was harder to fill in as school circumstances have strict social distancing regimes, but as a school, we’ve been able to see what the children are saying and have implemented lots of Personal Social and Health Education activities on their return so we can try to help them as much as possible…taking part raises the profile of PE across the school and the (final report) is always shared with our Headteacher and governing body. It gets the children thinking about their physical activity levels and motivates some to do more...’’
Satellite Clubs Despite such a difficult year
We have supported 32 new
with lockdowns and Tiers, we
Satellite Clubs this year and
have still managed to support
used funding to sustain 15
the delivery of our Satellite Club
further clubs, nearly all of which
programme.
have actually run on and off through the lockdowns.
Some of our amazing deliverers have integrated an online
In total we have committed
programme to support their
nearly £80,000 investment.
participants (see the case study by Liberty CiC, see page
12 other clubs from previous
40), others have used lockdown
years have also managed to
times to access training and
continue operating in and out of
support for coaching and
lockdowns.
volunteers, and many have tried to stay in touch as much as they can.
“The first time I came to the gym I was shaking. I am on long term medication and had never done fitness activities. “Since then, I have grown in confidence and I can feel my fitness improving.”
Each of our Satellite Clubs focuses on engaging young people from one of more of the following priority audiences:
16%
of participants had a disability
18%
53%
of participants identified as female
of participants were from ethnically diverse backgrounds
A focus on the most deprived wards in our county
Young people who were not active Young people involved in Anti-Social Behaviour and/or in trouble with the police
“The first session I was incredibly nervous as I hadn’t really seen anyone for months. “Afterwards, I realised I wasn’t the only one who needed some support. Fiona, the mental health professional who comes is really informative and explains so many things. The coaches are great at influencing and nothing is ever too much trouble for them. “I’m so glad that I came to this project."
Satellite Clubs “Liberty Striders has been a
“Liberty then partnered in the
lifeline over the previous year for
summer At Home Super-Hero
many of our young people and
challenge and facilitated this
wider involvement of families.
challenge through the Striders at
The programme offers weekly
home. This enabled new young
running/walking sessions for
people to participate and
young people with SEND.
encouraged them to get out to
However due to lockdown we
complete daily fitness, which
have not always been able to
parents and carers said helped
facilitate the programme face to
with their children’s emotional
face, still even with these
wellbeing during lockdowns. We
barriers Liberty Striders have
had three members who are in
grown.
wheelchairs participated in these challenges too.
“During lockdown Striders was moved to an online at home
“When lock down was eased
platform. Initially the club
Striders has been an amazing
challenged the young people to
programme to offer one to one
run weekly, we then got involved
run and offer the opportunity for
with the 2.6 challenge, the
our members to discuss how
national alternative to the
they feel while getting fit and
Marathon. Within this challenge
being out in the fresh air."
we developed a family activity and over 20 families participated in the challenge.
This has been successful in all
“As lockdown was reintroduced
the lifted restrictions throughout
Liberty striders adapted again
the past year and again
and became involved in the
feedback from parent/carers
Winter Wonder Wheels at home
highlighted this has been the
challenge where the young
motivation for their children to
people ran around the world.
come out and keep fit but learn
Over the month the runner ran
to be with others after spending
virtually from country to country,
so long at home with only their
and with the support of friends
families. Parents have said this
from around the world daily
was vital for their children to
messages were sent from
gain confidence outdoors as
England to Africa, India Ethiopia,
lockdown has affected their
Europe, USA, Australia, and New
children confidence and self-
Zealand. These messages
esteem.
supported the young people to keep running. Alongside this
“During the Summer, the staff
Striders developed an online
team also developed a
healthy eating programme with
programme via Striders where
cooking classes weekly from the
the team ran 1000 miles for
different countries.
1000 smiles over the holidays. This was encouraged by the
“One of the biggest success
young people, which created a
stories of Liberty striders 2020
weekly challenge that all were
was the successful nominations
involved in.
of one of our members for Young Athlete Role Model of 2021 in Staffordshire."
As a challenge from this win and
“Striders coaches, Callum,
to support the last lock down the
Sally, Maggi, and Laura have
young lady challenged everyone
been a real motivational team
to join in a half marathon over 5
and together the Programme
weeks. Shelby Striders challenge
has been a complete Lifeline
was successful again and over
for over 80 people of all ages.
15 young people participated in this.
“Without the support of Satellite Clubs this would not
“Liberty Striders has been a real
have been possible. Thank you
lifeline for many young people
for the support and belief in
and families over the past year,
this programme.”
offering weekly programmes, the opportunity to keep fit, keep motivated, develop a healthy body, and mind and feel Together Active with others even though life was not letting them come together.
Workforce Together Active play a role in ensuring that organisations, volunteers, and professional workforce have the right skills and behaviours to best perform their roles with the customer journey and experience at the heart of their services.
Health Sector Together Active continue to support in supplying the local landscape and resources during Clinical Champion sessions which is all about embedding physical activity into routine clinical care. A commitment has been made to move into Social Prescribing training to equip link workers with the tools in which to feel confident and competent in prescribing activity.
Clubs Thrust into a world of survival, Club Matters workshops have been greatly valued by those organisations on the brink of collapse. Especially those workforce members that seek to support clubs at risk of permanent closure, for example, Helping Clubs in Crisis. Further, the support to access training in Mental Health has been well received. This training arms volunteers at the heart of the community with the understanding of how to really support those that need it most.
Young Volunteers Despite the challenges that the pandemic has brought and continues to bring Together Active have remained committed to delivering the DfE Volunteer Leaders and Coaches programme. This has included a diverse range of development pathways and learning, such as training in: Equity in Coaching, Inclusive Activity Programme, Mental Health Awareness, Safeguarding and Unconscious Bias . This will provide young people with transferable knowledge to aid them in future employment.
In the last year: Over 500 people have accessed our training opportunities. We have engaged with over 50 organisations.
“As we move forward into 2021 we will help coordinate and support opportunities to develop a ‘people like me’ diverse workforce which is reflective of local needs and provides inspiring high-quality activities.”
Tackling Inequalities Funding Dozens of sport and physical
So far, nearly £170,000 has been
activity groups across
shared between 46 different
Staffordshire and Stoke-on-
organisations across the county,
Trent have received financial
and a further £80,000 is to be
support to help them survive
made available over the coming
and thrive through the COVID-
weeks.
19 lockdown. Board members have supported Together Active has
us with a regular panel meeting
collaborated with Local
that checks that the projects
Authorities, VAST, Support
meet the criteria and then we
Staffordshire and SCYVS to
send to Sport England for their
reach out to grass roots
approval.
community organisations that can deliver to communities with
So far, we have supported 6
long term health conditions,
mental health projects, 8 aging
disability groups, ethnically
projects supporting long term
diverse communities and those
health conditions, 7 community
on lower incomes to distribute
centres, and 3 youth centres.
the ‘Tackling Inequalities fund across the county on behalf of Sport England and the National Lottery.
“In most instances, the money is helping organisations to get services back up and running, either by allowing them to invest in extra cleaning and sanitisation equipment, adapting equipment, or covering the cost of facilities in a COVID-safe way. "But is has also helped some vital organisations to just stay afloat and pay the bills as organsiations across the country had to shut their doors to their audiences and their income streams.”
“Weekly attendance was the best ever, meaning we could create safe bubbles. “Everyone did their bit to make it safe and enjoyable, and the spirit and camaraderie was amazing, with not a single case of positive test or need to isolate. "We hope to continue the success, aided by the funding that you were part of, the critical lifeline without which I think we would have been defunct.” - WALKING ACTIVITIES, SPORTS & SOCIAL PROGRAMME STAFFORDSHIRE (WASSPS) CIC
“We are still operational in terms of supporting young people in schools through life coaching & 121 mental health support. "There’s so much to do to support our young people.” - Ruff and Ruby
“We have had up to 15 people per week, tending the garden and doing a variety of activities to keep them active. "Having their own equipment and sanitiser has made a real difference, as did the tidying work, prior to opening to make it a welcoming place. "Because we couldn’t allow service users in until September, it was getting a bit cool to put on outdoor exercise classes, so we tried the art Brazil seated exercise by Zoom for 6 weeks. This has been completed, so we are now going to begin 6 weeks of Zoom tai chi. "The users of our service are enjoying being back.” - Rethink Mental Illness
““Thank you so much for the funding which has helped our little club survive”. - Rachel and the Tumbling Trampoliners team
Safer Together Through Sport Together Active has been part
Despite lockdowns many of our
of the County Sport and Youth
community sports clubs and
Justice Steering Group and has
organisations have taken the
played a key role in bringing
opportunity to do some online
together Youth Offending Team
training, with these courses
Officers and Community Sport
particularly well received:
providers. Mental Health Awareness It’s been a quiet year due to COVID-19 but we have
Over 250 participants accepted places on the Mental Health
committed funds to support a
Awareness for Sport & Physical
Sport and Youth Justice officer
Activity which was phenomenal.
that will sit within the Youth Offending Team and help establish links between community sport and the young people they are supporting.
ACEs – Adverse Childhood Experiences We circulated this free short online introductory course funded by the Home Office Early Intervention Fund with some really good feedback.
This year we organised another two StreetGames training days in the run up to the Summer.
Governance and finance We are very fortunate that the majority of SASSOT’s Board Members agreed to become Trustees of Together Active, and we carried out skills-based recruitment to fill the remaining vacancies. At the October Board meeting, the SASSOT Board was formally dissolved and all remaining undertakings were transferred to Together Active. As an Active Partnership we are required by Sport England to meet the requirements of Tier Three of A Code for Sports Governance, and Together Active’s evidence file was recently submitted for assessment. Financial information: 1st September 2020 to 31st March 2021
Budget
Actual
Balance transferred from SASSOT
825,310
823,643
Income
142,070
356,086
Expenditure
543,894
431,491
Net carry forward to 2021-22
423,486
748,238
Of which Restricted Funds
70,240
272,273
Of which Unrestricted Funds (Reserves)
167,570
176,197
Of which Unrestricted Funds (Free)
185,676
299,768
The Restricted Funds carry forward includes the receipt of grants during 2020-21 where partial delivery will take place during 2021-22. The Unrestricted Funds (Reserves) carry forward is the amount needed to cover our liabilities as of 31.03.21 A copy of Together Active’s full, audited accounts and Trustees’ Annual Report for 2020-21 will be available on our website once completed.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Together Active will recruit and
Additionally, the organisation will
engage people with appropriate
demonstrate a strong and public
diversity, independence, skills,
commitment to progressing
experience and knowledge to
towards achieving gender parity
take effective decisions that help
and greater diversity generally on
us achieve our vision.
its Board, including but not limited to diverse ethnic communities and
Together Active is committed to
disability, to ensure the Board is
ensuring that our Trustees and
best able to represent the diverse
our Leadership are fully
communities it serves.
reflective of the diverse communities that we serve, and able to represent the views and needs of these communities. A target of a minimum of 30% of each gender has been adopted for Trustee membership and appropriate action will be taken to achieve and maintain this. If 30% of the membership is not a whole number, the number of people will be rounded up.
Our Diversity in Governance and Leadership Action Plan was approved by the Board in January 2021 and can be viewed on our website. However, the Trustees believe we have a duty as an organisation to embed the highest standards of equality, diversity and inclusion across our organisation, and to this end we are currently working through The Race Code and undergoing a full review of our ED&I principles, processes and practices.
Progress regarding the number of female, diverse and independent Board members is outlined below:
As of As of 31.02.17 31.02.18 (SASSOT) (SASSOT)
As of 31.02.19 (SASSOT)
As of As of 31.02.20 31.02.21 (Together (SASSOT) Active)
Number of members
11
11
12
12
12
Female
3 (27%)
5 (45%)
5 (42%)
6 (50%)
6 (50%)
Independent
3 (27%)
4 (36%)
7 (58%)
8 (67%)
8 (67%)
Ethnically diverse
2 (17%)
Disability / Long Term Health Condition
3 (25%)
www.togetheractive.org hello@togetheractive.org @TogetherActiv @TogetherActiv