Using awareness campaigns to create safer sport
Sometimes it feels like every month brings a new awareness campaign. For example, during October we’ll experience ADHD Awareness Month, Black History Month, and World Mental Health Day, to name just a few.
Awareness campaigns can help sport and physical activity organisations start important conversations, improve understanding and strengthen safeguarding culture.
Why awareness campaigns matter for safeguarding
Children and young people experience the same sport differently. Their experiences are shaped by where they come from, how they learn, and the challenges they face. The more we understand those experiences, the better we can create safe and inclusive environments and understand how to safeguard all children and young people.
Awareness campaigns create opportunities to:
- increase understanding among coaches, volunteers and parents
- challenge stereotypes and misconceptions
- help people recognise barriers that some children face
- amplify children's voices and lived experiences
- encourage learning and reflection
- promote more inclusive practice
Using October's awareness campaigns to create safer sport
ADHD Awareness Month
An estimated 741,000 children and young people (aged 5 to 24) in England alone have ADHD, according to NHS England. Many children with ADHD thrive in sport, with the routine, connection and enjoyment it gives them. But others face misunderstanding, judgement or environments that don't meet their needs.
ADHD Awareness Month is an opportunity to help people better understand ADHD and reflect on how inclusive their environments are.
Instead of asking: "What should we post for ADHD Awareness Month?" Try asking: "What can we share that helps people better understand and support children with ADHD in our sport?"
Black History Month
Around 41% of Black children are physically active, according to the Sport England Active Lives survey, placing them below the national average.
Black History Month provides an opportunity to celebrate Black athletes, coaches, volunteers and communities while encouraging reflection on inclusion and representation.
Instead of asking: "How should we mark Black History Month?" Try asking: "Whose voices, experiences and achievements can we amplify, and what can we learn from them?"
World Mental Health Day
According to NHS England, 1 in 5 children are likely to have a mental health disorder. We know that children and young people are more likely to enjoy sport, develop confidence and reach their potential when they feel supported, connected and psychologically safe.
World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to encourage open conversations, share support services and promote positive sporting environments.
Instead of asking: "What should we say for World Mental Health Day?" Try asking: "How can we help children, young people and the adults around them feel more supported?"
Moving from awareness to action
Awareness campaigns can help start important conversations. The next step is making sure those conversations lead to meaningful change.
Whether you're using ADHD Awareness Month, Black History Month or World Mental Health Day to engage your community, taking time to understand children's experiences and create more inclusive environments is an important part of safeguarding and creating safer sport.
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Creating safer sport starts with understanding the needs, experiences and voices of every child.