For the final day of National Safeguarding Adults Week, we spoke to Louise Taylor, Front Line Manager at Milton Keynes Lifelong Learning & Fletchers Mews Activity Centre, alongside Joe Hamilton, a Learning Support Worker, to discuss how they ensure people supported by MacIntyre are kept safe when taking part in sport.
Louise Taylor said:
“Sport and physical activity are vitally important in promoting the wellbeing of people of we support. Sport provides a great opportunity for people to choose games and activities they may want to try and empowers individuals to make choices. Ensuring there is a mix of games/sports on offer to match the needs and aspirations of everyone, helps to ensure that no one feels excluded. “
Joe Hamilton added:
“Practicalities such as accessibility of venues and equipment are also important to minimise the risk of discrimination and to increase participation.
It is also important not to lose sight of emotional wellbeing that can be a hidden danger in sport, for example, where there is a fine line between competitiveness and bullying. Part of the sessions always includes a focus on teamwork and encouraging good sportsmanship such as praising each other, shaking hands, congratulating one another on achievements. It’s about being respectful of each other and making the activities fun and purposeful with fair play.”
