Some brief thoughts from Disability Sport Fife

Greetings fellow Branch members, friends, and partners. These are tough times for us all and we can only do what we can do and hope that it is enough to see us through to the “new normal”. As we are based in a Fife Sports and Leisure Trust leisure centre, Disability Sport Fife has not had access to office space, computers, files etc. The Association has been run form my home with our major communication medium being the DSF Facebook page www.facebook.com/disabilitysportfife. Interestingly and surprisingly we now have 6,200 followers and rising by the day which makes our efforts more meaningful and worthwhile.  In response to Jen’s plea for Branch information I thought I would share with you what we have been up to over these past few months.

• Our virtual Annual Awards had an attendance of 107, largest number to date. DSF (SCIO) has continued to hold Board of Charity Trustees meetings and we recently managed to squeeze in our AGM within 15 months of the 2019 event. The Fife Disabled Sports Trust AGM was also held during lockdown and we have submitted applications for funding and received a few significant donations. We continue to prepare for the introduction of two part time coordinators with support from Fife Council and the Robertson Trust. Non access to the office has slowed down our plans but we are in regular contact with FSLT and live for the day. Key of course is to open our activity sessions as soon as possible and coaches, volunteers and peer mentor volunteers are standing by. The decision rests with FSLT and significant others but opening date cannot come soon enough.
• As far as the Facebook page is concerned, I have tried to keep it fresh and interesting and have managed up to six submissions daily. I receive and upload submissions from families, individuals and partners and try to tell their stories on how they have retained their commitment to physical activity including sport. It has been an opportunity to write about people, organisations and events in the past that have shaped the present and our future. I have extended the net across Scotland and attempted to include great Scots who have achieved great things in my 40 plus years in disability sport. Maybe it is because I studied history for so long that I feel committed to looking back to looking forward. We have much to be proud of as a Branch but Scotland has so much more to be proud of as a nation.
• DSF has tried to encourage our members to be active during lockdown. Some of our coaches have run brilliant virtual sessions and I have publicised daily the brilliant programme offered by Fife Sports and Leisure Trust and other national agencies. DSF has tapped into the SDS programme of events, talks, workshops, webinars etc and when asked Fife tutors have contributed to the national programme. It is a productive way of working but hopefully will not replace the face to face contact that we are used to. Some Fife coaches and volunteers have continued to promote walking and running/pushing/adapted cycling as a way of life. Walk buddies have been active and several coaches and volunteers have created virtual social occasions with quality outcomes.

The longer non access to the office goes on the more challenging it will be to sustain these short-term measures. I do not doubt that other Branches have similar challenges, but I thought it might be useful to share our experiences. DSF has remained active, committed, enthusiastic and I cannot thank my fellow Trustees, athletes, coaches, volunteers, peer mentor volunteers and partners for their support and commitment. DSF remains a strong SDS Branch and we look forward to meeting up with you all at the Annual Branch Conference.

Richard Brickley OBE MBE Chairman DSF (SCIO) Board of Charity Trustees

Scottish Governing Bodies are continuing to meet with Scottish Government and sportscotland regarding the phased return to sport. We will continue to keep you updated as we move through each phase as some sports outdoor and individuals are returning to action in line with guidelines, although it is appreciated many participants will still be shielding.  SDS encourages all participants to engage in physical activity and sport in a safe manner for positive wellbeing.

1. SDS Branch Conference, AGM & Annual Awards 2020: Sunday 27 September

1. 1. Branch Conference

The virtual SDS Branch Conference will take place between 1030am – 1pm prior to the AGM. The topics for the conference are:

• Get Out Get Active Workshop: What are the key learnings for use within branches?
• Return to Sport: Up to date discussion about returning to sport and physical activity within branches
• Branch Networking: An opportunity for branches to share experiences and success stories

Further information will be distributed to branches soon.

 1.2 AGM

For the first time ever the AGM & Annual Awards will be fully online and held, as scheduled, on 27 September 2020 at 2pm.

This year at the AGM there will also be elections for a number of Board positions. If there is anyone you know who is interested in becoming an SDS Board Director, please ask them to contact Catherine Goodfellow, Chair of SDS at (chair@scottishdisabilitysport.com) for an informal chat.  Board members make a difference to the direction and support provided by the organisation.  We need people who you will know locally who have a real interest in making a difference for disability sport, appreciate the challenges and recognise opportunities for our participants, volunteers, players and athletes.  

1.3 SDS Annual Awards

Voting for the SDS Annual Awards for 2020 is now officially open. Nominations can be made to recognise athletes, coaches, volunteers and clubs across Scotland. The 2020 awards will be presented at the SDS AGM on Sunday 27^th September which will be held online. Anyone connected with disability sport in Scotland has the opportunity to make a nomination and further details can be found here, https://scottishdisabilitysport.com/sds-annual-awards-2020/

2. Phased Return to Sport

Following the Scottish Government’s announcement on Thursday, the SDS updated guidance paper will be distributed this Friday to branches. You can find previous editions on our website here

3. Scottish Boccia Chairperson

The committee of Scottish Boccia now wishes to appoint a new chair to lead the sport through the next strategic cycle,

Role Title: Chairperson of Scottish Boccia (voluntary)

Organisation: Scottish Disability Sport (SDS)

Responsible to: Scottish Disability Sport board

Meetings: Four meetings per year

This is a voluntary position, but all reasonable expenses will be paid. The chairperson is expected to attend Scottish Boccia meetings, held four times per year, and other Scottish Boccia events (as available). The level of time commitment is flexible and will be tailored to suit the applicant’s current commitments and the needs of Scottish Boccia.

If you are interested in the above appointment please submit a CV and covering letter (addressing how your skills and expertise fit with the role) and equal opportunities form, marked “private and confidential”, to Gavin Macleod, Chief Executive Officer, at  gavin.macleod@scottishdisabilitysport.com.

4. SDS Branch Resources section

SDS have created a branch resource section on the website. This section has various links to useful information during this time and to the previous branch communications that have been circulated

SDS Branch Resources

4.1 Funding

The deadline for the Small Business Support Grants and Retail, Hospitality, Leisure Support Grants has been brought forward to Friday 10 July. These schemes make one-off grants of £10,000 or £25,000 available to organisations with a rateable value of up to £51,000. There have been some additional changes to eligibility criteria including for businesses not paying non-domestic rates directly, for operators of multiple properties, and for organisations in receipt of various rates reliefs. We encourage all sports organisations with premises to check their eligibility and apply by 10 July. The link can be found here 

5. Online Activities

 5.1 #giveitago

We’re now in Week 7 of our 8-week #GiveItAGo challenge and, this week, we’re asking teams to send in videos of them completing our Obstacle Relay Inclusion Card. There’s still time to enter, and a £10 Amazon voucher is up for grabs for the team that enters the most creative video each week.  https://scottishdisabilitysport.com/giveitago/

#GiveItaGo

 5.2 Tuesday Night Live – Athlete Journeys

In this series we will be delivering 30-45 minute webinars where we will interview Paralympic athletes on their careers to date. Here we will gain an insight into how they got involved; what motivates them; what their career highlights have been as well as their future aspirations. The next session is tonight at 7pm and will be with Stephen McGuire and Claire Morrison.

Viewers will be able to interact with the athletes through the chat function and ask questions throughout the interview, or submit questions in advance. Further sessions will be held with Martin Perry (21 July) and Scott Quin (4 August) with more to follow Athlete Bio & Dates

Register using the links on the calendar here or contact admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com or 0131 317 1130.

Please circulate this information around your networks as we can accommodate a large audiences for the Tuesday Night Live sessions with performance athletes and want as many people as possible to have the opportunity to be involved.

5.3 Coaches’ Seminars

Delighted to announce the next coaches seminars over the summer

• Wednesday 8 July 2020, 1900 – 2000 Working with participants on the autism spectrum
• Thursday 9 July 2020, 1900 – 2000 Creative Coaching
• Wednesday 12 August 2020, 1900 – 2000 Classification
• Tuesday 25 August 2020, 1900-2000 Generating Feedback

For further details and to book your place click to access the calendar here and search by date

Further seminars will be added in due course.

5.4 Be Active Be Well

SDS launched an exciting new online programme for the next seven weeks over the summer period, Be Active Be Well. There are three strands to the programme;

1: Be Active – there are physical activity sessions each day of the week at 2pm

Monday: Stretching

Tuesday: Chair-based activity

Wednesday: High-Intensity Interval Training

Thursday: Yoga

Friday: Callanetics

Sign-up here at the SDS Calendar and search by day

2: Be Well – each Monday at 11am for the next seven weeks there will be mental wellbeing sessions run by our valued partner SAMH and others

3: Connect 5 – activities for you to interact with over the eight weeks

6. Coming Soon

 6.1 Virtual Parasport Days

The first of two Virtual Parasport Days is scheduled for Sunday 26^th July. The purpose of this day is to offer opportunities to young people (with a physical, learning, visual or hearing impairment) from P1 to S6 to experience a range of new sports, have fun and get active.  Participants are invited to join Scottish Disability Sport in the first of two Parasport Days to experience a range of sports including basketball, boccia and football from the comfort of their own home! The event will be delivered by experienced coaches, Governing Bodies of Sport and supported by the Scottish Government Wellbeing Fund.

Participants can sign up here and more details can be found on the SDS website.

6.2 Virtual Pentathlon Championships

Scottish Disability Sport will be holding an Inter-Branch Virtual Pentathlon Championships in partnership with scottishathletics. This will involve athletes taking part in five different events between September 7 and October 11 2020. All athletes can contribute towards their individual branch score in the national event. More information will be distributed soon.

 6.3 #sporthour

        The next sportscotland #sporthour will be held on Monday 3 August at 9pm – 10pm.

7. Celebrating success

Lothian based youngster Samantha Gough was named as overall Player of the Year for 2019 / 2020 at the Goalball UK Player of the Year awards 2019 / 2020. This is a remarkable achievement considering she has only been playing the sport for over a year. Here is a link to a previous article on Samantha which provides details of her quick rise in the sport.

8. Other Information

8.1 Scottish Powerchair Football Association

The Scottish Powerchair Football Association are currently looking to expand into new communities all across Scotland to provide wheelchair users the chance to play football.

• We are looking to engage with any clubs (professional to amateur), organisations, community groups and/or support groups to get involved in the game.
• We would also love to hear from anyone who would like to take up the sport of Powerchair football as a player, coach, club member or official.
• We aim to provide Powerchair footballers with the social, physical and mental positives that taking part in football brings to every footballer.

Please get in touch with us at the SPFA via email, Twitter or Facebook.

Email: info@thespfa.org

Twitter: @The_SPFA

Facebook: Scottish Powerchair Football Association

8.2 First Bus App

This link is an announcement about the launch of a new app by First Bus. This app will enable wheelchair users to plan their journey and track accessible buses in real time.

 Branch social media

 SDS Member Branch Media: To keep up to date with what else is happening around our member branches please see the links below to their various media channels.

Angus Disability Sport

Ayrshire Sportsability

Borders Disability Sport

Dumfries & Galloway Disability Sport

Dundee City Disability Sport

Disability Sport Fife

Forth Valley Disability Sport

Glasgow Disability Sport

Grampian Disability Sport

Highland Disability Sport

Lothian Disability Sport

Perth & Kinross Disabilty Sport

South Lanarkshire Disability Sport

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Here is the 9^th edition of the SDS Branch Communication. All previous versions can be found on our website here

Scottish Governing Bodies are continuing to meet with Scottish Government and sportscotland regarding the phased return to sport. We will continue to keep you updated as we move through each phase as some sports outdoor and individuals are returning to action in line with guidelines, although it is appreciated many participants will still be shielding.  SDS encourages all participants to engage in physical activity and sport in a safe manner for positive wellbeing.

1. Phased Return to Sport

1.1 The SDS Phase 2 Guidance paper was distributed to branches last week. You can find it on our website here

1.2 Children 1st Guidance

The wellbeing and protection of children is paramount at all times and the current COVID-19 pandemic has increased the vulnerability of children and young people. The Safeguarding in Sport team, a partnership between sportscotland and Children 1st, have developed the briefing paper: Return of Children and Young People to Sport After COVID-19, to help support the return of children and young people to sport as we ease out of lockdown and through the return phases.
This is applicable to all sports organisations and coaches and highlights considerations that should be taken when the children and young people return to sport and also prepared for potential disclosures from children as it is anticipated that there may be a rise in these due to COVID-19.

1.3 Guidance For Coaches
As sports begin to plan for restart, we recognise the need to support people in coaching roles to help them get ready to make sport happen.
We have developed guidance to support delivery in all phases, which is relevant to coaches, deliverers, volunteers, leaders, personal trainers and instructors in preparing for the safe return of delivering sport.
It is designed to be a good practice guide and provides some example templates and should be considered in conjunction with information from other sources including Scottish Government and Scottish Governing Bodies. Coaches can follow the links in the document to access additional information to help prepare to deliver sport. https://sportscotland.org.uk/covid-19/getting-coaches-ready-for-sport/

2. SDS Branch Resources section

SDS have created a branch resource section on the website. This section has various links to useful information during this time and to the previous branch communications that have been circulated

SDS Branch Resources

2.1 Funding

The Third Sector Resilience Fund remains open to organisations that need emergency funding directly as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Many sports clubs and community organisations have received grants of up to £75,000. Sports organisations facing significant financial challenges, who have explored other support available from existing funders, Scottish and UK Government, should be encouraged to consider applying. More info: Third Sector Resilience Fund

The funding document is available on the branch resources section of the website. The closing date for the Co-op local causes application is June 28th –               [Link%20to%20funding]Link to funding

The Kiltwalk is going Virtual! The Dundee Kiltwalk has been announced and some other cities will follow suit this year. 

Charities get 100% of any sponsorship and this also gets topped up by 50% from Sir Tom Hunter. It is worth monitoring this closely as this is a great way to raise awareness and funds. Link to sign-up

Children in Need Funding: For clubs and charities who are working with vulnerable or disadvantaged children and young people under 18. Link to funding

The Baillie Gifford Community Awards Programme, distributed through Foundation Scotland, includes grant funding to support grassroots sport for expenses such as purchasing equipment or coaching and development costs. For more details and to make an application, click the button to the left. The current round of applications is open until August 24.  Link to funding

3. Online Activities

 3.1 #giveitago

We’re loving all the videos you’ve been sending in for the Ball Familiarisation Challenge – some amazing skills on show & great creativity! Well done to Logan who is the Week 4 winner & earned himself a £10 Amazon Voucher. It’s now time for the 5th activity in our 8-week #GiveItAGo challenge – Target Golf 

We’re challenging you to take part, get active and have fun with your family by practicing the skills in our activity cards and sending in your videos. Click here to view the whole range of cards available for your use. This week we are putting the spotlight on the Target Golf card. 

Click here to see the Target Golf activity and check out our whole range of fun activities you can do at home. It’s not too late to register! To sign up, click here.  Please send in or tag us in your videos to @sds_sport on Twitter or on the Scottish Disability Sport Facebook and Instagram pages.

3.2 Tuesday Night Live – Athlete Profile

SDS are hosting sessions with performance athletes every second Tuesday nights. The next session is tomorrow, 23 June at 7pm and stars Aileen Neilson, Paralympic Wheelchair Curler telling us about her journey in the sport. The third session on the 7 July will be with Stephen McGuire. The dates and information on the athletes are attached to this email.

You can sign up with this link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAsdemqpjMtHdHG1muw90vhvWMJIWNuY8UG

Please circulate this information around your networks as we can accommodate a large audiences for the Tuesday Night Live sessions with performance athletes and want as many people as possible to have the opportunity to be involved.

3.3 #sporthour

If you missed sportscotlands monthly #sporthour session on physical activity for mental health you can find a recap here #sporthour June recap. The next #sporthour will take place on Monday 6 July at 9pm

3.4 Judy Murray Foundation Cyber Tennis Tour

A free Online Training Tour which covers all 9 Scottish tennis Districts. These 90 minute workshops are open to anyone who is interested in learning to deliver starter tennis at home. More information is attached to this email.

4. Coming soon…

 4.1 Coaches Seminars

Delighted to announce the next coaches seminars over the summer

• Wednesday 8 July 2020, 1900 – 2000 Working with participants on the autism spectrum
• Thursday 9 July 2020, 1900 – 2000 Creative Coaching
• Tuesday 25 August 2020, 1900-2000 Generating Feedback

For further details and to book your place click here

Further seminars will be added in due course.

4.2 Be Active Be Well

SDS is launching an exciting new online programme for over the summer period, Be Active Be Well. There are three strands to the programme;

1: Be Active – these are physical activity sessions starting with stretching with Bob Smith on Monday 6 July, 2pm. Yoga with Helen Singleton on Thursday 9 July at 2pm.

2: Be Well – each Monday at 11am for the next eight weeks starting on 29 June there will be mental wellbeing sessions run by our valued partner SAMH and others

3: Connect 5 – activities for you to interact with over the eight weeks

To get involved in the programme please register for the session on 29 June at 11am to hear all about it using this link here

5. Branch social media

 SDS Member Branch Media: To keep up to date with what else is happening around our member branches please see the links below to their various media channels.

Angus Disability Sport

Ayrshire Sportsability

Borders Disability Sport

Dumfries & Galloway Disability Sport

Dundee City Disability Sport

Disability Sport Fife

Forth Valley Disability Sport

Glasgow Disability Sport

Grampian Disability Sport

Highland Disability Sport

Lothian Disability Sport

Perth & Kinross Disabilty Sport

South Lanarkshire Disability Sport

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This is now our ninth week of the official lockdown we hope you and your families continue to be well and adapting to the ongoing situation.

This is our sixth Branch Communication and we do hope you are finding them useful. Any feedback on these  – and any other aspect of SDS’s ongoing work is always welcome and appreciated.

1. Branch Networking Day Overview
   • 37 participants joined the virtual Branch Networking Day session on Wednesday 13 May to engage in discussions on funding, recruitment and the impact of Covid-19. A report from the Networking Day will be circulated following the Branch Steering Group meeting on the 11 June along with the recruitment document introduced by Jen for comments. This will provide direction on the content of the SDS Branch Conference scheduled for 27 September. The documents and slides presented on the day by Graeme Doig, Graham Harvey, Helen Bruce and Dianne Campbell are all attached. Many thanks once again to all presenters and attendees for their contributions and positive engagement throughout. There were some great ideas suggested on the day and some of these will be implemented in the coming months.
2. SDS Strategic Plan 2021 Consultation
   • FINAL REMINDER! SDS would welcome as many people as possible to feedback on our SDS Strategic Plan Consultation 2021 Onwards. Thanks to all those who have shared this already and please continue to promote and encourage people to respond. The link to the form can be found here and should take approximately 10-15 mins to complete.  
3. 2020 National Events Calendar & National Squad Cancellation
   • You will have received an email during the week regarding the cancellation of all remaining National Events, Engagement Days & National Squad Training in 2020. The full statement can be found here.
4. Safe return of sport – key messages:
   • We all want to see the safe return of sport at all levels as soon as possible but the most pressing priority at this time is public health and wellbeing
   • It is vital that all sports continue to be guided by the latest Scottish Government public health advice and plan accordingly
   • We understand the concerns of sport club members who want to be back participating but now, more than ever, it’s vital we follow latest guidance
   • When the time comes for sport to return, SGBs will work with members to ensure the transition back to normality is as safe as possible for everyone.
5. Sharing Ideas
   • #Giveitago – Activity Inclusion Cards: Branch Challenge! 8 cards will be selected for participants to try over the coming 8 weeks. SDS encourages all branches to actively promote this opportunity to their members and the wider community to keep everyone active and having fun. The taking part is definitely the important thing here! The first card will appear on Monday and will be circulated as well as featuring on our website and social media. Please send in or tag us in your videos to @sds_sport on Twitter or on the Scottish Disability Sport Facebook and Instagram pages. YOU CAN REGISTER NOW HERE!
   • Learn a new skill – Check-out the sign of the day on SDS Twitter Feed from British Sign Language. A new one is released daily and it is a great way to upskill yourself in this vital communication method.
   • Every week there are videos posted by the Young Start programme and the Young Persons Sports Panel of great ideas to keep yourself active, busy and motivated during lockdown. Please share these on your social media.
   • #stayinworkout – British Blind Sport have developed online activities of accessible workouts and resources to support people with visual impairments and others to stay active at home. Activities include yoga, pilates, cardio and high intensity sessions, gentle exercises and workouts for children and young people.
   • Getting the most vulnerable online during the Covid-19 crisis: This is an opportunity for individuals who are not online and are digitally excluded to access equipment.
6. This week is…
   • Mental Health Awareness Week: Use this link to the SAMH website to help Raise the profile of physical activity to support mental health. Use the hashtag #WeAreHere. This is particularly important during this time of uncertainty.
   • Learning Disability Week: The Scottish Commission for Learning Disability are celebrating this week virtually with the key themes this year being “My Environment – my place, my planet”. Perhaps you may wish to use some of the activities above to keep athletes and participants with a learning disability actively engaged
   • UK Anti-Doping #CleanSportWeek: You can also find more useful information on UKAD Clean Sport Week hub here.
7. Performance Sport Opportunities
   • Talent ID #Power2Paris Para-Cycling Talent Identification Campaign Request: Please follow this British Cycling Website which may be of interest to any budding cyclists as they are looking to identify talented cyclists of the future.
   • British Blind Sport has been successful in winning the bid to host the 2023 IBSA World Games in Birmingham – a multisport event for blind and partially sighted athletes.
8. Further useful resources…
   • NHS Covid-19 Equalities Toolkit: This toolkit will enable organisations to effectively communicate the Covid-19 information in a variety of formats e.g. different languages, video and audio, BSL, webchat and also provides sample media releases. The attachment is included on this email.
   • Response, Recovery & Resilience Fund: Foundation Scotland, in partnership with the National Emergencies Trust, are providing funding to support constituted community groups and charities that are responding to and impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Best regards

Jen & Mark

As we begin our eighth week of the official lockdown we hope you and your families continue to be well and adapting to the ongoing situation.

This is our fifth Branch Communication and we do hope you are finding them useful. Any feedback on these  – and any other aspect of SDS’s ongoing work is always welcome and appreciated.

1. The Branch Networking Day is taking place on Wednesday and we look forward to seeing many of you at 1pm. We will forward the Zoom video conference link to the participants today. It is recommended to use the app where possible rather than the online version. The topics discussed will be funding and recruitment.
2. The SDS website has been updated and now features all the latest news on the response to Covid-19. There is also section for Branch Resources that includes all the communications sent to date as well as some other relevant links.
3. Funding:

• Wellbeing Fund – This fund is open until 22 May and is available to all charitable organisations providing opportunities to “at risk” groups during the period between now and the end of July.
• Third-Sector Resilience Fund – This is for voluntary organisations/ charities/ community groups/ social enterprises who already deliver and find themselves in financial difficulty owing to the Covid-19 situation.

4. Activities:
   • Wheelpower Yoga  – These classes last for approximately 30 minutes. They also have some Youtube strengthening videos. These videos are primarily aimed at individuals who use wheelchairs.
   • Mental wellbeing while staying at home – This is from the NHS UK and features 12 suggestions for keeping good mental health while at home.
   • Young Person Sport Panel & Young Start Programme have been creating different video content to share activities each week. So far, Caitlyn Ross from Forth Valley has kept us active with 10 exercises each day and Isaac Dunning from the West of Scotland has entertained us with his magnificent balloon animals.
   • The inclusive activity cards are now available on the SDS Website and were originally aimed at people leading sessions but also work brilliantly for us all in our homes.
5. Training:
   • Coaches Seminar: During lockdown, SDS is providing the opportunity for coaches to explore different concepts in short segments online. The three concepts are:

• Introduction to Classification – Wednesday 27 May, 7pm – 8pm
• Courageous Conversations – Sunday 31 May, 11am – 12pm
• Self-reflection & Developing your Coaching Philosophy – Monday 15, Tuesday 16 & Tuesday 23 June, 7pm – 8pm

5. • Open Education Free Courses – The Open University has produced these links to their OpenLearn courses which are free to study. There are nearly 1000 free courses across 8 different subject areas.
   • Learn a new skill at home – Find free high quality digital courses in The Skills Toolkit
   • Scottish Hockey are offering a Child Wellbeing & Protection Officer Training online workshop – Date: Wed 27^th May, Time: 6:30 – 9:30pm (please be prepared to sign from around 6pm to sort out any technical issues with the tutor!), Cost: £25 for external candidates  (payment to be made prior to course), Online – Scottish Hockey sort code 82 65 00 / Account 20107127, Phone – Call 0141 550 5999, Registration:  Please email Michael.mcdougall@scottish-hockey.org.uk

 Please note a  pre-requisite for attending this course is completion of the one of the following courses within the last 3 years

• Child Wellbeing & Protection in Sport
• Safeguarding & Protecting Children
• In Safe Hands

As ever, please forward us any useful information, activities or good news stories for inclusion in the next edition of the SDS Branch Communication.

Kind regards

Jen and Mark

Please find some links below to information for any third sector organisation affected by the Covid-19. This will be relevant to those branches that currently employ a member of staff and/ or whose cashflow has been impacted by the onset of the pandemic.

https://sportscotland.org.uk/covid-19/support-for-clubs-and-community-sport-organisations/support-available-during-the-Covid-19-covid-19-pandemic/ – General Sportscotland support for organisations.

http://thirdforcenews.org.uk/tfn-news/20m-Covid-19-support-fund-launched – Support fund for third-sector organisations impacted by Covid-19. The form is straightforward to complete and will be especially useful for those branches who employ a member of staff who aren’t being covered by an existing grant funder throughout this period.

https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/national-lottery-awards-for-all-scotland – National Lottery Awards for All have extended their deadlines on the Awards for All fund and will try and prioritise those organisations impacted by Covid-19 in getting a quicker decision on the grant. They have also allowed any organisation who currently have, or has had in the past year, a grant for something else.

SDS hopes that these links above help in some way however, if any of our branches need any further support or advice during this period please don’t hesitate to get in touch. All our officers are working (subject to annual leave) and available to be contacted.

Best regards

Mark & Jen

It’s that time again, here is the fourth edition of the SDS Branch Communication Update. Please circulate to your members and anyone else you think may benefit.

We do hope you are keeping well and any feedback on these communications would be welcome.  For information and Support during the Covid-19 please use the SDS website for all links that have been circulated previously.

1. SDS Strategic Plan 2021 Consultation is open! SDS needs your input. Thanks to all those who have shared this already and please continue to promote and encourage people to respond. The link to the form can be found here and should take approximately 10-15 mins to complete.
2. Dates for your diary:
3. • Branch Networking Day: SDS are holding a Branch Networking Day on 13 May. All branches are scheduled to be represented on the day.
   • 27 September: SDS AGM, Awards and Branch Conference. Nominations for SDS Awards will be sent out in June. Please consider who you wish to nominate
   • SDS will continue to keep all branches up to date with any amended dates for your diary as and when the picture becomes clearer.

3. These links will assist organisations in their use of technology during lockdown and features hints and tips.

SDS Social Media Policy

SCVO Remote Working Tips

National Cyber Security Centre Top Tips for Staff

BT Top Tech Tips

New world, same rules: safeguarding and privacy

Zoom Calling and Privacy

SBRC along with experts including NCSC CEO Ciaran Martin, discuss the latest cyber scams which have been circulating since the start of the pandemic.

4. Branch activity: Forth Valley continue to post daily content for their members such as new recipes on a Tuesday, Sporting Memories on a Friday, Talents and Hobbies on a Wednesday and fitness on a Monday. Fife continue to provide extensive and interesting updates to their followers on Facebook. Ayrshire received Wellbeing Fund STV Appeal to distribute to families of children who attend their activities. 15 grants were provided to families in the most need. If branches would like any of their activities highlighted here please let us know.

3. Further to our last communication on the Independent Living Fund (ILF) for any specific questions about the fund or any individual applications please contact the ILF by email enquiries@ILF.scot or phone 0300 200 2022. At the moment, their office opening hours are 9am – 2pm. The ILF are committed to be flexible in their policy framework during these challenging times.
4. SCVO Wellbeing Fund: The wellbeing fund is focused on providing support to organisations that can provide support to people who are most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The fund will open on May 7 for expressions of interest.
5. Boccia Lockdown League: Although we are currently in lockdown there are still ways of playing and competing against others in the wonderful sport of Boccia. This is week 4 out of 6 of the fun online competition. There is still to sign-up through the link at the start.
6. SDS are running a daily programme for the Young Start team. There is a quiz for the Young Person’s Sport Panel and Young Start programme that runs every two weeks (the next edition is on 14 May at 6pm). Anyone in our branches is welcome to join in. You will need Zoom and the Kahoot app. Please contact Jen Barsby should anyone wish to participate. The feedback from the participants has been very positive, citing the opportunity to interact socially with their peers and see familiar faces and have some fun was of the most value.
7. A variety of FREE CPD Training is signposted here: https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/learn-and-train/find-free-online-courses
8. Free Creative Writing Course: https://writershq.co.uk/seven-ideas-in-seven-days-creative-writing-course-free/
9. SDS will be posting on its website activity cards to have some fun and keep on moving during lockdown. SDS will be posting these cards as of Monday. Look out for them, get going and enjoy!

Please do get in touch if SDS can be of any assistance in any way.

Please keep safe and well and we looking forward to seeing you soon.

Thanks

Jen and Mark

Hi everyone,

Hope you are all safe, well and coping with lockdown. Please fine some information below that we hope you will find useful:

Covid-19

For the latest updates please see the link below:

https://sportscotland.org.uk/covid-19/

Arrivals and departures

SDS was sad to see the departure of Norma Buchanan after 20 years. Norma was the longest serving SDS staff member and played a huge role in the organisation especially in the events programme. Norma’s commitment, experience and knowledge will not be lost to the organisation as she is continuing in a part time role for Disability Sport Fife. We are also sorry to see the Madison Garland leave SDS for pastures new in Active Schools in Fife. Madison did a great job introducing Boccia to many new young people throughout Scotland. We wish them both well.

SDS is delighted to welcome Phillippa MacDonald as the Get Out Get Active 2 Tayside project Manager. Phillippa will be working out of Kings Cross Hospital in Dundee and we look forward to working with her. SDS is also pleased to note the appointment of Pamela Robeson as the National Disability Pathways Officer in Scottish Athletics.

Branch Networking Day

As you are all aware the next SDS Branch Networking Day will take place on the 13 May 2020, 1.00pm – 3.00pm online. Please can you send us the names of anyone who would like to attend the Networking Day by the end of today. The agenda is attached and a link will follow to invite you to attend the meeting online.

SDS Strategy Consultation

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) are currently undergoing extensive strategic consultation for its next Strategic Plan due to begin in 2021. The form will take approximately 15 minutes to complete and SDS would  hugely appreciate your input as it will help guide the strategic direction of the organisation.

You will find the form using this link: SDS Strategic Consultation 2021.  Please complete before Friday 15^th May.

Funding and resources

Funding Opportuntities for Branches 2020

The SDS Branch Steering group have drafted a funding document which is attached. This document pulls together a number of funding sources which branches may like to explore. Please let us know if you have any additions or feedback so we can finalise the document for the Branch Networking Day on 13 May 2020.

ILF Scotland Transition funding

The new ILF Scotland Transition Fund provides money, for up to one year, to support young people living with disabilities (as defined in the Equality Act 2010) to improve their lives. This includes autism, learning difficulty, physical disability, mental health (e.g. anxiety or depression) or hearing or visual impairments. The purpose of the Fund is to help young people, between the ages of 16 and 25 living with disabilities, with the transition after leaving school or children’s services to be more independent and to continue spending time with other people. For more information please visit the website and circulate to anyone who is eligible to apply: http://ilf.scot/transition-fund/

TAC PAC Resources

TACPAC are offering a free resource from TAC PAC (music and sensory programme) for children and adults with learning disabilities and/or autism. If you go to the link below and add set 5 to your basket then add in the code 8Q7A3TXS you will be emailed the resource for free.

https://tacpac.co.uk/shop

Activities to do at home

Boccia Lockdown League

We are delighted to have you with us in the inaugural Scottish Boccia Lockdown League, and hope you are looking forward to six weeks of boccia fun.

This is how the competition will take place:

• Each week will concentrate on one Boccia Bonanza Station, as described in the video. You can find more information about each Station on the website here: Boccia Bonanza Circuit
• You will have the whole week to practice and during this time we’d love to have your comments, photos and videos shared with us on social media. Our facebook page is here https://www.facebook.com/SDSboccia/ and twitter here https://twitter.com/SDS_boccia. Please remember to tag us!
• You can download a scorecard for the week here: Score Card.This will help you to keep track of your progress. Again, please feel free to post pictures of your card to social media.
• From Wednesday each week, an online score card will be available through the website here: Lockdown League. You can complete this with your best score, or you can email us and we’ll upload it for you.
• There will be extra points available, at the discretion of the impartial organising committee, for such things as best video, most imaginative adaptation, and other things we think of as time goes on.

http://boccia.scottishdisabilitysport.com/lockdown-league/

Les Mills workouts

Les Mills are offering their digital fitness classes for FREE – there are over 95 workout options, with eight categories to choose from. Please click the link below to get started

https://watch.lesmillsondemand.com/at-home-workouts

NHS workouts

NHS have released 24 instructor led videos ranging from aerobics, strength and resistance to Pilates and Yoga. The videos range from 10 – 45 minutes

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-fitness-studio/

Thanks

Jen & Mark

Hi everyone,

Further to the first SDS Branch Communication sent out on 27 March here is the next edition for the Easter period.

SDS hopes everyone and their families are keeping well in these very uncertain and challenging times. We have tried to pull together some information that you may find useful over this time and we would be delighted to support further on any of the topics listed below, or indeed, any that aren’t but are of significance to anyone within your branches.

1. Dates for your diary:
2. • Branch Networking Day: SDS are holding a Branch Networking Day on 13 May. Thanks to those of you have responded already telling us who will be in attendance. Please let us know of any further attendees by 14 April.
   • 21 September: SDS AGM, Awards and Branch Conference. Nominations for SDS Awards will be sent out in June. Please consider who you wish to nominate
   • SDS will keep all branches up to date with any amended dates for your diary as and when the picture becomes clearer.
   • New Paralympic Dates 24 August – 5 September 2021

2. Information and Support during the Covid-19

2. • Sportscotland: Support for Club and Community Sport Organisation Information on accessing funding and furlough can be found here amongst other useful content.
   • The Sportscotland Institute of Sport has released more information for people during this period relating to health, fitness and nutrition.
   • SAMH has a number of useful resources during this period promoting good mental health. SAMH is the Scottish Association for Mental Health.
   • A useful online resource for coaches can be found on the UK Coaching website. E-learning courses (paid content), Online Classrooms, Live Webinars and an online community are all available.

3. Some branches have been asking us for signposts to activity content and ideas. For those on twitter use the #stayhomestayactive to access various exercises and ideas to keep athletes working hard at home. We have also attached a range of different activity cards which feature different types of activity and ways of adapting to promote inclusion. Joe Wicks (amongst many others) continues to provide opportunities to be active through his The Body Coach Youtube Channel.
4. Boccia Lockdown League: Although we are currently in lockdown there are still ways of playing and competing against others in the wonderful sport of Boccia. This is a 6 week fun online competition. Sign-up through the link at the start.
5. Why not try an online quiz with your participants? SDS ran a quiz for the Young Person’s Sport Panel, Young Start programme and Boccia Squad using the Kahoot app and presented using a video-conferencing app. The feedback from the participants was positive, citing the opportunity to interact socially with their peers and see familiar faces and have some fun was of the most value.
6. Insurance Document: Some branches have requested evidence of the public liability cover contained within the general SDS policy. It is attached for your reference.

Please do get in touch if SDS can be of any assistance in any way.

Please keep safe and well and we looking forward to seeing you soon.