This guidance is being produced to support athletes, participants with a disability, SDS Branches, coaches, volunteers, and staff in relation to the Scottish Government’s Route Map for a Return of Sport and Physical Activity in Scotland and the new 5 Tier System of Protections Framework which can be viewed here covid-19-scotlands-strategic-framework.pdf.

The free NHS Scotland Protect Scotland app has been designed to help us protect each other, reduce the spread of Coronavirus and avoid further lockdowns. By using the app and following current public health measures we can all stay safe when we meet up, socialise, work or travel. To find out more and download the app please visit protect.scot.

Sporting activities can now be undertaken, providing all activity is consistent with current Scottish Government guidance on health, physical distancing and hygiene – you will also need to make sure that your club, facility and participants are made aware and can adapt to changes in guidance at short notice.  Information on Scottish Governments approach to managing COVID-19 is available at Scottish Government: Coronavirus in Scotland.

Where Scottish Government local measures and restrictions are in place guidance detailed will supersede the corresponding guidance identified within this section. See here and Appendix 1 below for latest update.

People who are symptomatic should self-isolate for 10 days and household members for 14 days as per info on NHS guidance. No one who is self-isolating should attend a sports facility or activity.

To manage a safe return to sport and leisure activities it is a mandatory requirement that all clubs, facility operators and deliverers put in place comprehensive Test & Protect procedures to help break chains of transmission of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Further information is available within this guidance and at Scottish Government: Test & Protect.

The free NHS Scotland Protect Scotland app has been designed to help us protect each other, reduce the spread of coronavirus and avoid further lockdowns. By using the app and following current public health measures we can all stay safe when we meet up, socialise, work or travel. To find out more and download the app please visit protect.scot

SGBs, clubs and participants should be aware of their local area protection level and associated restrictions which may be in place and should consider this as part of risk assessment planning.  Broad guidance for sporting activity which should be followed within each Level is set out in Table A below. 

Further information on protection levels that will apply in each local authority area are available at Coronavirus (COVID-19): allocation of protection levels to local authorities.

Where a participant with a disability requires functional support to enable their participation in physical activity and sport this can be provided without maintaining physical distancing. This support can be provided by a coach or other individual. In such circumstance the responsible ‘Covid Officer’ should consider appropriate mitigating actions as part of the risk assessment in consultation with the participant. This process is reflective of making “reasonable adjustment,” in line with the Equality Act 2010.

“Reasonable adjustment” ensures the meaningful inclusion of people with disabilities within physical activity and sport by meeting individual needs.

For instance, providing appropriate PPE, limiting the number of participants an individual provides functional support to, limiting the duration spent in close proximity, or a combination of actions

Further information on supporting the inclusion of participants with a disability can be found here.

 Equality & Inclusion

Covid-19 is affecting everyone. But the impact of the pandemic is not being felt equally. Before the pandemic certain groups were less likely to participate in sport and physical activity. These groups are also the most at risk of worsening inequalities due to Covid-19:

• Older people
• Disabled people
• Ethnic minorities
• Women
• People from deprived communities

It is more important than ever to consider inclusive guidance for people who need extra support to be active and sports facility operators should consider this as part of their work to encourage people to return.

The evidence emerging has clear implications for how we design and deliver sport and physical activity. Some key areas for consideration include;

Communication – Digital exclusion is a key issue. With so many services and so much information moving online it risks worsening the health impacts of the pandemic. We have to think innovatively about the range of ways we can provide information to people about sport and physical activity.

Accessibility – Accessibility of our environments is another key issue emerging from the pandemic. As clubs and leisure centres re-open it’s important to build understanding of people’s specific accessibility needs around things like hygiene, physical distancing and face coverings so we can provide the best possible support to people to take part in sport and physical activity.

Anxiety, mental health and wellbeing – The pandemic is leading to an increased risk of anxiety and mental ill-health for people who share all characteristics. We know that sport and physical activity can have significant benefits for people’s mental health so it’s vital that we continue to promote those benefits, so people are encouraged to get involved.

Confidence – Confidence to return to sport is a big issue across all groups. We know that some groups are at higher risk from Covid-19 than others (including some ethnic minorities, disabled people and households experiencing poverty). These groups may be even more nervous about returning to sport or starting to participate. They are also less likely to participate in sport in the first place, so we’ll need to give extra attention to their needs to help build their confidence.

The information outlined below is generic and should be used to inform the development of suitable sport specific guidance which can be shared with participants, clubs, local authorities/trusts, third sector and other sports facility operators.

Should a return to sport be possible for your sport during phase 3 in line with government and your sport specific Scottish Governing Body guidelines. Further guidance will be available from your mainstream Scottish Governing Body to advise you on the implications for your individual sport. For further information on sportscotland’s guidance on Phase 3: return to sport and physical activity click here and Scottish Governing Bodies guidance click here

Permitted Sport and Leisure Activities

Travel Guidance

Travel guidance outlined by the Scottish Government should always be followed.   Further information on what travel is permitted is available at Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on travel and transport.

Information for each local authority area, including their level is available at Coronavirus (COVID-19): local protection levels including a post code checker.

Specific information on car sharing is available from Transport Scotland: advice on how to travel safely.

Sport & Physical Activity Participation

Participants can travel to take part in organised sport and physical activity or informal exercise within their own Local Authority area.  See Table A for information on what organised sport or physical activity is allowed at each Level. For informal exercise general household rules should be followed.

If you live in a Level 3 or Level 4 local authority area you should:

• Avoid any unnecessary travel out of the area.
• Keep journeys within the area to an absolute minimum.

Participants aged 18 years or over (adults) living in a Level 3 or Level 4 area should only travel locally (within around 5 miles of their local authority area) to take part in physically distanced non-contact sport or exercise outdoors.  You can also take part in local informal exercise such as walking, cycling, golf or running that starts and finishes at the same place but straddles the boundary of two local authority areas. Adults living in a Level 3 or 4 area should not take part in any indoor or outdoor contact sport or physical activity.

Participants aged 18 years or over (adults) who live in a Level 0, 1 or 2 area should minimise unnecessary journeys and avoid travel to Level 3 or Level 4 areas to take part in sport or physical activity.

Participants aged 17 years or under can travel to and from Level 0, 1, 2 and 3 areas (but not Level 4) to take part in organised sport, physical activity, training and competition. Where living in a Level 4 area then point 9.3 above should be followed

Table B: Travel Restrictions

Age Group	Level 0	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Level 4
U18s					Local Travel Only
18+ (Adults)				Local Travel Only

Operators should risk assess all activity and it is strongly recommended that where at all possible training and competition should take place locally.

Definitions – for the purposes of this guidance

‘Organised sporting or physical activity’ refers to activities which are undertaken in a structured and managed way following specific rules and guidance of relevant SGBs, local authorities or businesses who in turn have fully applied related Scottish Government and sportscotland guidance. All organised activity should be overseen by a Covid Officer with documented risk assessments undertaken and mitigating actions put in place to ensure the health, safety and welfare of participants, coaches and officials.

Contact sport or activity is defined as “a sport or activity in which the participants necessarily come into bodily contact or as a matter of course encroach within 2m of one another” such as Judo, Netball and Basketball.

Non-contact sport or activity is defined as “a sport or activity in which the participants are physically separated by playing rules such as to make it difficult for them to make physical contact during an activity. Examples include Tennis, Cricket, Boccia and Curling.

Sports competition refers to where participants or teams compete against different opponents as part of an organised league or competition.

Adult ‘group’ sport or activity refers to adults, from more than 2 households / 6 members of those households who take part in organised sport or physical activity.

Indoor individual exercise refers to non-contact recreational sport or physical activity which follows general household rules i.e. no more than 2 households / 6 members of those households. This includes gym use, 1:1 personal training, swimming, ice skating and indoor snowsports activity where physical distancing can be maintained.

Participants and operators should follow guidance based on the area protection level in which the sporting activity is to take place. A summary of what sporting activity can be undertaken at each protection level is available in Table A and should be read in conjunction with the rest of this document.

• Subject to the guidance below, organised sporting or physical activity can take place indoors or outdoors, in effect suspending physical distancing and household guidelines, for the duration of the activity.
• Where there is likely to be proximity (within 2m) or contact between participants involved in a sporting activity, mitigating actions must be put in place to minimise risk and keep participants safe. For instance:
  • SGB guidance should focus on providing sporting activity involving as few participants as possible, for the minimum amount of time, whilst still allowing the activity to run effectively. This may also require a change to game formats, numbers and/or rules to minimise risk to participants.
  • As soon as a participant has completed training, a competition or event, they should leave the field of play/venue.
• No spectating should take place other than where a parent or carer is supervising a child or vulnerable adult or when following specific sector guidance for events.
• No formal presentation ceremonies should take place during or after a sporting activity or competition as the focus should be on reducing the numbers in attendance at any one time.
• Holiday camps, extended sports activity or events which would not normally come under the jurisdiction of an SGB should refer to the appropriate local authority, umbrella body or care commission guidance. Organisers of these activities may alternatively wish to use Scottish Government household, physical distancing and group size limits.

Outdoor Sport & Leisure Activity

Operators may open outdoor sports areas, courts and pitches if documented risk assessments are undertaken and all appropriate measures are put in place to ensure the safety of participants, staff and volunteers and where activity is undertaken in line with guidance for the appropriate protection level. Please also refer to guidance produced by sportscotland at: Getting Your Facilities Fit for Sport.

Information relating to outdoor sport and physical activity that can be undertaken by protection Level and age group is available in Table A.

Outdoor sporting bubbles for training, competition or small-scale events

• An outdoor sporting ‘field of play bubble’ can consist of a maximum of 30 people including coaches, officials and other support staff at any one time. In exceptional circumstances, numbers may be increased, but only if approved directly by Scottish Government or where specific Scottish Governing Bodies of sport (SGBs) guidance and mitigating actions have been agreed by sport
• Multiple outdoor sporting bubbles, each with up to 30 people, can be used in training, competition or small-scale sporting events. In such cases operators and organisers should undertake comprehensive risk assessment to ensure that these bubbles do not mix at any time including before, during or after the activity.
• Total numbers taking part in training, competition or events, other than detailed below, should not exceed 200 people in any one day, including organisers, officials and participants.  Once an individual has completed their activity, they should immediately vacate the ‘field of play’ and are then subject to normal household rules:
  • Permanent outdoor sport, leisure and club facilities which are accessed on a regular basis by the general public and/or club members and have in place a designated COVID officer and appropriate risk assessments may exceed the limit of 200 people, in a single day, if mitigating measures are put in place to protect participants and staff.  This may for instance include operating separate activity zones, implementing staggered time slots and putting in place other measures to ensure participation bubbles remain separate including consideration of parking and access/egress.
  • Any further exemptions or variation to training, competition or event participant numbers, including the addition of spectators, must be agreed directly with Scottish Government and may be subject to relevant Scottish Government guidance.
• Where outdoor sports training, competition or events are planned and include multiple bubbles; operators and organisers should, as part of their risk assessment, consult with relevant local authorities, environmental health, the police or other body responsible for the safety of the public. Agreement must be reached with these bodies before the training, event or competition takes place.
• Operators and organisers should note that the situation around COVID-19 is fluid and activities may need to be cancelled at short notice should there be a change in local or national restrictions. In such circumstance’s plans should be in place to notify participants of event cancellation and to ensure they do not attend the venue.
• SGBs and operators should introduce a period of training to familiarise participants with guidelines before running competitions.
• Outdoor group coaching for organised sport and physical activity including aerobics and fitness classes can take place with up to 30 people at any one time, including the coach, if physical distancing is always maintained.

Indoor Sport & Leisure Activity

• Indoor sport and leisure facilities can open if Scottish Government Coronavirus (COVID-19): Guidance for the opening of indoor and outdoor sport and leisure facilities is fully implemented.
• Appropriate risk assessments and mitigating measures must be put in place to reduce risk and protect participants. For instance, consider physically distanced training, reducing numbers taking part and changing game formats or rules.
• Participants should not congregate before or after an activity. Operators must ensure comprehensive mitigating actions are put in place and documented in their risk assessment to stop this happening. Consider staggering start/arrival times and any other relevant additional measures.
• The number of participants allowed to take part in indoor sport or physical activity must be risk assessed by the operator following Scottish Government Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on the opening of indoor and outdoor sport and leisure facilities and sport specific SGB Guidance.
• Information relating to indoor sport and physical activity that can be undertaken by protection level and age group is available in Table A.

Coaching

• The guidance below is to support coaches, leaders, personal trainers, deliverers and instructors, herein referred to as coach/es. In addition, please see Getting Coaches Ready for Sport which provides a 4-stage approach/checklist to help coaches get ready for delivering sport and physical activity. It can be used as it is or amended to reflect the sport or delivery activity.
• Coaches operating within clubs and facilities should liaise with the relevant COVID Officer before undertaking coaching and all sporting or physical activity must adhere to operator and relevant SGB Guidance.
• Coaches and others supporting organised sporting or physical activity should attempt to keep physically distant, but it is recognised that this will not always be possible to ensure the safety of participants. In such circumstances the responsible ‘Covid Officer’ should consider appropriate mitigating actions as part of the risk assessment.
• Coaches should be aware that local restrictions may be in place for sport and physical activity and this should be considered as part of risk assessment planning and will dictate what activity can be coached, indoors and outdoors and to whom. See Table A for further information about protection levels.
• Scottish Government travel guidance provides exemptions for travel into and out of Level 3 and Level 4 local authority areas. This includes ‘Travel for work, or to provide voluntary or charitable services, but only where that cannot be done from your home’.
  • Where paid/voluntary coaches or officials use the above exemption mitigating actions should be put in place to reduce risk to the coach, official and participants. This should be documented in the operator or deliverer risk assessment.
• Coaches can take organised outdoor group training sessions at all protection levels with a maximum of 30 people involved at any one time or as agreed through approved SGB Guidance and Scottish Government (COVID-19): guidance on the opening of indoor and outdoor sport and leisure facilities.
• Coaches can take multiple indoor sessions per day, however the numbers allowed in each session will depend upon the protection level restrictions in place in the given location.
• Face coverings must be worn by coaches when indoors, except where an exemption applies. For instance;
  • where an individual has a health condition or is disabled, including hidden disabilities, for example, autism, dementia or a learning disability.
  • or if there is a reasonable excuse not to wear a face covering such as;
    • where there is difficulty in communicating with participants who may not be close by and safety is an issue i.e. in a swimming lesson. In such cases alternative measures should be considered such as use of a face visor.
    • being physically active or exercising as part of the coached session.
  • The priority should always be on ensuring the safety of the coach and participants and minimising the risk of virus transmission before, during and after activity.
  • At all times coaches should:
    • Plan and risk assess appropriately for the session in advance, be aware of responsibilities, be clear on expectations with participants and build in a review period to reflect on effectiveness and safety of the session.
    • ensure signage on guidelines for participating safely and promoting hygiene measures are clearly displayed and up to date.
    • check, in advance of delivery, that appropriate insurance policies are in place for all coached activities and that their insurance is valid for the activities they plan to deliver.
    • find out about their direct and surrounding delivery environment in advance of the session and contact the facility operator, where relevant, to confirm any changes in processes and procedure.
    • Coaches working with children should familiarise themselves with the additional considerations developed by Children 1^st: Child Wellbeing and Protection Considerations.

Local restrictions

Where a locality or region is subject to localised restrictions, not all of the changes above will apply. Details of local restrictions are available here.

Boccia

For the sport of boccia there is the ability to return depending on the readiness of facility providers to open to clubs and sessions for training purposes only.

Competition will be considered in the future. SDS will publish further updates and guidance as and when competition is allowed to return.

SDS has published a separate Return to Boccia Guidance Paper. To access this guidance please follow this link: Return to Boccia

Travel guidance can be found in Table A on page 3.

General Guidance

To prevent spread of the virus, please follow the FACTS:

Face coverings

Avoid crowded places

Clean hands regularly

Two metre distance

Self-isolate and book a test if you have symptoms

IMPORTANT: People who are symptomatic should self-isolate for 10 days; household members for 14 days as per info on NHS guidance. No one who is self-isolating should attend a sports facility/activity.

Shielding is currently paused, and it is the individuals responsibility to decide when it is safe for their return to sport. The advice is highlighted in here. The advice to people is to continue to strictly follow the guidelines on physical distancing, handwashing, surface cleaning and respiratory hygiene guidance on the NHS Inform website.

What to do if someone in the club or session has Covid-19

sportscotland Phase 3: Return to Sport & Physical Activity

For further guidance on the following areas please refer to the sportscotland Phase 3 Guidance Paper document produced by sportscotland:

 Equipment Provision and Use

Travel Guidance

Definitions

Test & Protect

Changing Facilities, Showers & Toilets

Permitted Sports and Leisure Activities

Health, Safety & Hygiene

Physical Distancing

Covid-19 Officer Training sportscotland Covid Officer E-learning Module

 Local Outbreaks or Clusters of Coronavirus Cases

Scottish Government travel advice and guidance relating to local outbreaks or clusters of coronavirus cases is available at Coronavirus (COVID-19): local advice and measures. 94. Where a local outbreak has been reported, sports facility operators and deliverers within this locality should review Scottish Government ‘local measures’ guidance, their facility/operational risk assessment and consider if additional mitigating actions should be put in place to reduce risk. This may, for example, include; suspending activity, enhancing hygiene and physical distancing measures or introducing additional activity restrictions.

SDS key messages

• This guidance relates only to sport and physical activity in Scotland.
• Further guidance will be available from your mainstream Scottish Governing Body to advise you on the implications for your individual sport. Click here
• It is the responsibility of the relevant facility operator / COVID officer to ensure that full risk assessments, processes and mitigating actions are in place before any sport or leisure activity takes place and to check if the activity is in an area which is subject to additional Scottish Government localised measures and restrictions.
• Guidance for coaches, leaders, personal trainers, and instructors (herein referred to as coaches) is available at Getting your coaches ready for sport.
• During outdoor group training sessions appropriate risk assessed physical distancing and hygiene measures should be put in place to protect participants.
• Face coverings: Mandatory (with limited exceptions) on public transport and in shops
• Be kind, friendly and considerate to everyone you meet
• Follow Public Health guidelines for hygiene
• Any branch or club activity must be in accordance with the guidelines provided
• Exercise well within your capabilities
• For further details please refer to sportscotland Guidance Paper

Our priority remains to protect the health of our coaches, volunteers, athletes, participant, staff and the wider community and help to suppress the spread of the Covid-19 virus. We should all continue to follow the government’s and public health guidelines.

You can download this guidance here: Updated 20 November SDS 5 Tier System Guidance Paper

 

Introduction

If you’re experiencing sight loss, you are probably worried about your future and the changes you’re facing. You may have feelings of sadness, anger or anxiety and this could affect you daily. During these times, many people find it useful to talk through their feelings with someone outside their usual circle of family and friends. So, if you need to talk – we’re here to listen.

Need to Talk offers free counselling and Living with Sight Loss courses for people with sight loss across Western Scotland. Our service covers Dumfries and Galloway, East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire mainland, South Ayrshire, Lochaber, Skye and Lochalsh, Arran and Cumbrae and Argyll and Bute and Na h-Eileanan Siar (Western Isles).

Our team of counsellors and Living with Sight Loss coordinators have lots of experience gained over many years of working with people affected by sight loss.

Through confidential telephone or online counselling and Living with Sight Loss courses, we’ll support you through these difficult times.

We work with people of all ages, including children and young people (11 years plus), as well as people who are supporting a person with sight loss who may also need someone to talk to.

Counselling service

After a simple referral to our team and within five working days, we’ll arrange a telephone assessment with one of our counsellors. Your initial assessment gives you an opportunity to talk about your situation and explore what further support you might find useful.

If you then go on to have a series of counselling sessions from us, your Need to Talk counsellor will discuss and agree with you the number of sessions – usually between eight and 10. These will be arranged at times that are convenient for you and will always be with the same counsellor. The calls are free as your counsellor will call you.

In a crisis, we can give you information about other services and help in contacting them. If you need to speak to someone urgently, Samaritans are available 24 hours by free phone on 116 123 (UK and Ireland) or you can email jo@samaritans.org.

“I have been struggling with sight loss for 30 years, trying to live in a sighted world where no one really understood. Now, since receiving counselling, I’ve a whole new lease of life. I’m now filled with hopes and dreams and my world is a much brighter place filled with endless possibilities” Helen

Online counselling

With online counselling you can get the support you need using your laptop, tablet or smartphone. You’ll be able to talk with your counsellor in one of the following ways:

• Email: Email gives you the opportunity to think about the important issues that you will work through, with the added flexibility of sending your email reply whenever you want, day or night. You will receive a reply from your counsellor at a set day and time each week.
• Video conferencing: Video conferencing (for example with Skype) using your computer, tablet or smartphone gives you the opportunity to chat, face-to-face in real time, in complete confidence with your counsellor.
• Instant messaging: With instant messaging (for example with WhatsApp) you will be able to have a real time, text-based conversation with your counsellor.

Whichever option you decide to use we usually recommend up to eight online sessions, lasting up to 50 minutes each.

Living with Sight Loss courses

Losing your sight shouldn’t mean losing your independence. Through our Need to Talk service we offer online Living with Sight Loss courses to help rebuild your confidence.

Our online Living with Sight Loss courses will support you in adapting to life with sight loss. We’ll explore a range of topics covering mobility and daily living, emotional support and wellbeing, eye health and peer support.

You will also be able to get the support you need using your laptop, tablet or smartphone at a time that suits you, in the comfort of your own home.

Your privacy and safety

As part of our commitment to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and Ethical Framework for Counselling Professions, our counsellors review their work with their clients with another counsellor in what’s called “supervision”. Your anonymity is always protected during this process and any identifying information is not revealed.

The only circumstances where your identity might be revealed during the work with your counsellor is if we have very serious concerns about your safety or that of others. In such exceptional circumstances we might need to ensure your safety, but would strive to discuss this with you and assist you in getting emergency support.

We adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework for Counselling Professions and comply with the Data Protection Act.

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy: 01455 883 300 (general enquiries) / bacp.co.uk

Get in touch

You can get in touch with Need to Talk’s counselling and Living with Sight Loss team by telephone or email:

Phone: 0303 123 9999

Email: needtotalk@rnib.org.uk

Our aim is to get back to you within five working days of receiving your details. However, it may take a little longer at busy times, or when we have problems contacting you.

All aspects of Need to Talk’s counselling services and Living with Sight Loss courses are provided free of charge.

For more information please visit: rnib.org.uk/NeedToTalk

Need to Talk is a five-year project delivered through a partnership between RNIB in Northern Ireland and Scotland, and Fighting Blindness in the Republic of Ireland. The project is supported by the European Union’s INTERREG VA Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

RNIB registered charity in England and Wales (226227), Scotland (SC039316), Isle of Man (1226).  Also operating in Northern Ireland.

Further to the exciting announcement in the summer that we have been successful with a bid to host the IBSA World Games, the bid partners are taking the next steps to support the delivery of a successful international event.  British Blind Sport, Birmingham City Council, University of Birmingham and UK Sport are in the process of creating a Stakeholder Board. The purpose of the Board is to provide oversight and strategic direction to the development, planning and staging of the event. The board will bring together strategic representation from the current stakeholders which will be complemented by several external independent appointees. We are looking for up to 3 independent board members who understand the role that sport, participation, elite para sport, and major events can play in society.

Please find below a recruitment pack outlining the purpose of the Stakeholder Board including details of the necessary skills and experience that we are seeking from independent appointees along with information on how to apply for a place on the board.

Stakeholder Board Member Recruitment Pack WBG 2023

The Scottish Government and The Daily Mile have announced the development of a Daily Mile Nation Strategy, developed based on a model of partnerships and integration with current and existing programmes. The strategy is vital to achieve the ambition of Scotland becoming the first Daily Mile Nation – a nation where people walk, jog, run and wheel The Daily Mile as part of everyday life – and to ensure sustainability.

Established in Scotland in 2012 as a school-based programme, The Daily Mile sees children jog, run, walk or wheel at their own pace for 15 minutes. The activities take place a minimum of three time a week with the aim of improving health and wellbeing.

Full information can be found on the Daily Mile Nation website here.

Today we celebrate some of the amazing women that support one of our most important events of the year, our residential summer camp. Unfortunately given the present circumstances we were unable to run the event this year however we are looking forward to hopefully returning to the Badaguish Centre near Aviemore in summer 2021. This event is hugely important to SDS as it supports our participants into developing their confidence and independence in a beautiful and challenging outdoor environment. For many of our participants this is their first time away from home so having some incredible support staff is crucial. Here are three of the very best from our team:

Helen Clark
Helen joined us in 2018 when we sent out an S.O.S for additional medical support for the camp and is now a firm fixture at the camp. Helen is a force of nature and has been a superb addition to the camp. She has recently completed her mental health diploma in lockdown and is a mother of two. One of her daughters has a disability and has attended the camp.

Why did you get involved in sport?
I’ve always been involved in sport of some kind. For the camp, there was an opportunity to get involved with the urgent need for medical support and this was within my capabilities. I really wanted to give back as a parent of a child with a disability and to support these kind of events as they offer the children so much. I wouldn’t change any of it for the world, it is such a powerful experience and to be involved with the children at camp is joyous. I am gutted it wasn’t able to run this year but I’m already looking forward to next year and keeping my fingers crossed.

Best SDS Summer Camp moment?
Being up at Loch Insh doing the watersports with the group. Seeing children achieving things that they might not have expected they could; watching them having so much fun together and forging new friendships and just being typical teenagers is so rewarding.

What are the best things about being involved in sport in Scotland?
For me the best things about being involved in sport is seeing the joy on the faces of young people who have overcome various challenges and seeing them prosper in a supportive environment is everything.

Jo Jackson:
Jo was recommended to us by our Performance Manager at the time Becky Bisland. Now Becky did many excellent things whilst at SDS but she may have peaked with this intervention. Jo has been with us for the last five years and I’m not sure how we ever managed without her!

Why did you get involved in sport?
I’ve always loved boats, but mostly just messing around them and sailing for family holidays in Greece. The most significant moment for me was participating in the Clip Around the World yacht race, which is 10 months of sailing yachts round the world. I had great fun and it totally rebuilt my confidence after a difficult period. In my role as a nurse I got involved as a Nurse Practitioner for Team Scotland at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. I was involved in the set-up one of the medical villages on site and lived in the village for five weeks with the athletes and coaches. I am also involved in the Ellen McArthur Trust which supports young people in rebuilding their confidence after cancer.

Best SDS Summer Camp moment?
It’s all amazing! The one that made me smile and laugh the most was having one of the participants –  who was a powerchair user – in the front of a bike I was cycling around the camp. He had never had this type of experience before and the laughter and smile on his face throughout brought it all home as to why these projects exist. Simply magnificent!

What are the best things about being involved in sport in Scotland?
Being able to use all my life skills learned as a nurse and as a mother to be able to let young people push their boundaries, increase their confidence and realise that sport and the great outdoors can very much be their domain. Sport and physical activity enrich people’s lives so much.

Kirsty Byrne
Kirsty came to us whilst a student at Edinburgh University studying Sport & Recreation Management.

Why did you get involved in sport?
As a little girl, my mum and dad would forever find me dancing around the living room. As an enthusiastic 3-year-old, they had to find something for me to do to burn off some energy, and so dance classes seemed to be the logical solution. 18 years later I have been part of a Grand Champion University Dance team and have loved every second.

Best SDS Summer Camp moment?
The best moment of Summer Camp, despite being part of the winning team for two consecutive years, has to be the self-confidence and growth I see in the children. Some of the children arrive at the camp very hesitant to interact and for many this is the first time they have been away from parents and carers. Seeing the increased confidence, blossoming lifetime friendships and the loss of inhibition and anxiety in the children from when they arrived to when they depart will forever be so rewarding to me.

What are the best things about being involved in sport in Scotland?
For me, the best thing about being involved in sport definitely has to be the friendships that are formed and the sense of team spirt and community that comes with the sport. Sport gives you an opportunity to escape from anything going on in the real world and there’s no better way to do that than with the friends that are made.

If you would like to know more about this event or any of the other twenty-plus national events on the SDS calendar please contact the Events Team at events@scottishdisabilitysport.com or visit our website at www.scottishdisabillitysport.com.