Club and Community Support
Gwen and Andy
Club Welfare Officers
Supporting Clubs and Community Groups Across Lancashire.
Here at Active Lancashire, we value the work and achievements of all local clubs and groups that contribute to physical activity and sports opportunities across the county. We know how valuable you are to the local communities you serve, not only for the activities you provide but for all the extra support, networking and other opportunities that come from being part of a community club or group.
We are here to provide support and guidance and to help your club be stronger and more sustainable.
Our Role
We know that running a club or community group can be challenging at times, and that taking on a welfare role can sometimes feel like an isolated responsibility. We’re here to change that.
Sport Welfare Officers are here to support clubs with their welfare roles and responsibilities, providing local guidance, support and opportunities to help you in your volunteer role.
Whether you need help meeting your safeguarding responsibilities, want to connect with other clubs and community groups, or would like to develop your knowledge and skills, we’re here to help.
Your sport may already have regional safeguarding or welfare staff who provide specialist support to clubs. If so, these teams remain your primary point of contact. Sport Welfare Officers will work alongside them and your National Governing Body to connect clubs, share good practice and strengthen welfare support locally.
Good welfare practice matters to everyone. Together, we want to help create positive, welcoming and safe environments in sport and physical activity for all children, young people and adults.
Safeguarding and Welfare
If you’re looking for safeguarding support, guidance or resources, you can visit our Safeguarding page for further information.
You can also find useful guidance and resources through the Ann Craft Trust and the Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) websites.
If you’d like to talk through a specific concern or simply need some advice, you can contact Andy and Gwen at welfare@activelancashire.org.uk. They’ll be happy to discuss the support available and help point you in the right direction.
Training and Development
Buddle
Supported by Sport England, Buddle (formerly Club Matters) provides guidance, resources, inspirational stories and updates to support volunteers delivering sport and physical activity, as well as the professionals who work alongside them.
Visit www.buddle.co to explore practical information and resources covering:
- Developing and growing your club or organisation
- Getting help from people and building your volunteer network
- Safety, welfare and wellbeing
- Being inclusive and creating welcoming environments
- Finding facilities and spaces
- Getting organised and strengthening your club
- Managing money and understanding your finances
- Environmental sustainability and reducing your environmental impact
Training and Development
We understand that funding can be a challenge for clubs and community organisations. There are a range of funding opportunities, guidance and resources available to help you develop and sustain your organisation.
You can explore Sport England’s latest funding opportunities and advice to find out what support may be available to your club or organisation.
You can also find local funding opportunities and information through Lancashire County Council’s funding portal.
Staying Updated
Monthly Noticeboard
Our Club and Community Noticeboard is a hub of useful information, ideas and opportunities to support clubs, community organisations and volunteers across Lancashire.
Updated regularly, the noticeboard brings together practical guidance, opportunities to get involved, key dates and local information, all in one place.
You’ll find:
- Monthly Focus – Take a deeper look at important topics and issues relevant to your work.
- Volunteer Opportunities – Discover ways to get involved, support others and make a difference in your community.
- Themed Blogs – Read engaging and informative content covering key issues affecting clubs and community organisations.
- Upcoming Campaigns – Stay up to date with awareness days, campaigns, initiatives and relevant grant opportunities.
- What’s On in Lancashire – Promote your own events and discover activities, events and opportunities happening across the county.
Keep up to date with the latest news, opportunities, events and support by staying connected with us.
Follow our Facebook page for regular updates and join our WhatsApp community to stay connected with other clubs, community organisations and volunteers across Lancashire.
It’s a great way to share information, discover opportunities and keep up with what’s happening in your local sporting and community network.
