4,600 young people say their participation in antisocial behaviour reduced after participating in a CashBack programme. Read on for the full report, and reflections on learning from the recent Power of Sport Conference in Easterhouse, Glasgow.
Sport and physical activity programmes and events can be a powerful catalyst in bringing about positive change in the lives of people and communities around wellbeing, inclusion and social cohesion.
On Wednesday 5 June, CashBack Delivery Partner Inspiring Scotland attended the Power of Sport and Physical Activity Conference, which it co-delivered in partnership with Spirit of 2012, Inspiring Scotland, Actify, Basketball Scotland, Evaluation Support Scotland, Scottish Sports Futures, and University of the West of Scotland.
The conference provided an opportunity to share learning, and launch a report showcasing the impact that CashBack for Communities is having in changing the lives of young people and their families and communities.
The briefing shares the impact ten CashBack partners had through sport and physical activity from April 2020-March 2023 (Phase 5). It is based on a wider external evaluation conducted by Research Scotland.
The report shows that in addition to benefits for health and wellbeing, engaging in physical activity programmes also supported young people to contribute to their communities and to achieve positive destinations.
After a training session or a match is when I’m happiest. It definitely helps with your mental health.
Young person, Scottish Rugby Union
This chimes with messages from keynote speakers throughout the day, including Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Social Care, Wellbeing & Sport, who highlighted not only the benefits for physical and mental health, but for social wellbeing and community cohesion.
Breakout sessions from CashBack partner Scottish Sports Futures and the Inspiring Scotland Thrive Outdoors team challenged delegates to be trauma-informed, and to commit to embed playing and outdoor learning as fundamental to growing up in Scotland, respectively.
Martha Lester-Cribb, Deputy Director of Evaluation Support Scotland, challenged delegates not to be complacent, as early traumatising experiences of physical activity can become lifelong barriers to taking part. This means everyone working in this space needs to continue to learn and push ourselves to be as proactively inclusive as possible, and ensure that when people do take the leap to engage their experience is as supportive as it can be.
For more information about the conference and resources from the event, visit the Power of Sport Conference Hub on Actify.
