The Active Best Practice Network

Empowering Girls Through Physical Activity

In this podcast we hear from Beky Williams, Managing Director of Stride Active, Dan Thomas, Head of PE and Business at Kingstone High School and Lucy Finch, Teacher of PE at Kingstone High School.   The group discusses projects which have been involved in, that have proved instrumental in gaining feedback from girls within the Herefordshire region, taking action to create space for open conversations to hear from girls on how to reduce barriers to physical activity.   The activities and collaborative events are underpinned by key design principles; aimed at empowering girls to gain knowledge and confidence to increase girls' participation in sport and physical activity within Herefordshire.   The ‘Here Girls Can’ project is the locally adapted offer of the national This Girl Can [https://www.thisgirlcan.co.uk/] campaign, commissioned through Sport England and funded by the National Lottery. In 2025, This Girl Can celebrated its 10 year-anniversary.  Insight and data: If you are interested in this work, some impact reports for consideration: PE & School Sport: The Annual Report 2024 - Youth Sport Trust [https://www.youthsporttrust.org/research-listings/research/pe-school-sport-the-annual-report-2024/]  which highlights some national challenges in youths accessing physical activity.   Earlier this year, Stride Active released the 'Here Girls Can 2024 Impact Report'. The report quotes 85% of girls recording an increase in confidence after attending an event. You can access the full report via the links below.   Kingstone High School received the Youth Sport Trust ‘Girls Active Report’ for 2024, exploring girls' motivations, barriers and overall engagement in physical activity. The responses given for key barriers to engaging in sport, physical activity and PE at school were on average more positive for girls at Kingstone High School compared to the national average.  In the report, 79% of girls at Kingstone High School enjoyed taking part in physical activity. This was reflected in many areas, relating to some of the issues and actions referenced in this podcast.   Links related to this episode:   Home | Active Herefordshire & Worcestershire [https://www.activehw.co.uk/]   Kingstone Academy Trust - Achieving Success Together [https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kingstoneacademytrust.co.uk%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cnatalie.smith2%40worc.ac.uk%7C587e6530455d4076af6108dd50335e65%7C633880410329433ca4b119a28fce31c6%7C0%7C0%7C638754903745321185%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=v%2FnoW2F%2BGBWqQQHRn7n2PqQKwhkdn4srhIIC%2Buo1KPU%3D&reserved=0]   Here Girls Can - Stride Active [https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstrideactive.org%2Fhere-girls-can%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cnatalie.smith2%40worc.ac.uk%7C587e6530455d4076af6108dd50335e65%7C633880410329433ca4b119a28fce31c6%7C0%7C0%7C638754903745344667%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=sP4w%2FThRc0cubfxdtwWOYXg1uecaz1Ntnk%2B5JF2esgQ%3D&reserved=0]   This Girl Can | Active Herefordshire & Worcestershire [https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.activehw.co.uk%2Fthis-girl-can&data=05%7C02%7Cnatalie.smith2%40worc.ac.uk%7C587e6530455d4076af6108dd50335e65%7C633880410329433ca4b119a28fce31c6%7C0%7C0%7C638754903745359159%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=qlfgT68PyBGENeCJUC61RzX70RKEqf9wbYXwvFP%2Fa%2Bs%3D&reserved=0]   This Girl Can | This Girl Can | This girl can [https://www.thisgirlcan.co.uk/]   Youth Sport Trust - Youth Sport Trust [https://www.youthsporttrust.org/]

Stronger Together: Forming Trusted ICS & VCSE Partnerships

In this episode, Christine Price, Chief Officer of Healthwatch Herefordshire [https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthwatchherefordshire.co.uk%2Four-staff&data=05%7C02%7Cnatalie.smith2%40worc.ac.uk%7Cd7b77a1fe2e740f2c9dd08dd3c8e340e%7C633880410329433ca4b119a28fce31c6%7C0%7C0%7C638733303646394692%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=CzBob1bsnrWVX0t5lwAgUKgHoLhjVmXv3yknQzJHnJs%3D&reserved=0] and Esther Passingham, VCSE Strategic Lead for Worcestershire VCSE Alliance discuss the Voluntary, Community Social Enterprise (VCSE) network collaborating with the Integrated Care System (ICS). [https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.england.nhs.uk%2Fhwalliance%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cnatalie.smith2%40worc.ac.uk%7Cd7b77a1fe2e740f2c9dd08dd3c8e340e%7C633880410329433ca4b119a28fce31c6%7C0%7C0%7C638733303646427661%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=1gTNl%2FLYVp4E9mR7EMDvVVEbb7SIXjmdaMhRi8p6RjM%3D&reserved=0]   The discussion highlights the aims of partnership work for the ICS to work in conjunction with the VCSE sector; sharing community voice with healthcare commissioning services to ensure health and care decision-makers hear the views of communities which experience the greatest health inequalities.    This episode highlights experiences across the two counties, challenges, best practice projects and development opportunities for the VCSE alliance members.    Links related to this episode:     Home - Active Herefordshire & Worcestershire [https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.activehw.co.uk%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cnatalie.smith2%40worc.ac.uk%7Cd7b77a1fe2e740f2c9dd08dd3c8e340e%7C633880410329433ca4b119a28fce31c6%7C0%7C0%7C638733303646441257%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=c%2B%2FywAv83g3UGMSZp3VLJ0KCInYqgjKi2UywcWwm%2Bgo%3D&reserved=0]  Funding - Active Herefordshire & Worcestershire [https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.activehw.co.uk%2Ffunding-and-support&data=05%7C02%7Cnatalie.smith2%40worc.ac.uk%7Cd7b77a1fe2e740f2c9dd08dd3c8e340e%7C633880410329433ca4b119a28fce31c6%7C0%7C0%7C638733303646664173%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=VRg6Zr%2BR%2F0HoRag%2Brjg8d%2B7WWtx6kBYkaubf5QSzhWU%3D&reserved=0]  Local Insight Data - Active Herefordshire & Worcestershire [https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.activehw.co.uk%2Factive-lives-data&data=05%7C02%7Cnatalie.smith2%40worc.ac.uk%7Cd7b77a1fe2e740f2c9dd08dd3c8e340e%7C633880410329433ca4b119a28fce31c6%7C0%7C0%7C638733303646678949%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=yoJJTrWaIUa39mT%2Fbn0SFcmWaxjfXdGsC9h9Pn%2FK8Yg%3D&reserved=0]  Worcestershire VCSE Alliance [https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fworcsalliance.org%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cnatalie.smith2%40worc.ac.uk%7Cd7b77a1fe2e740f2c9dd08dd3c8e340e%7C633880410329433ca4b119a28fce31c6%7C0%7C0%7C638733303646694594%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=aNeoTozem%2B%2Fo14LkFDHDhwmWKJbW7skhaNHxSScnIfk%3D&reserved=0]  Herefordshire Community Partnership [https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fherefordshirecommunitypartnership.co.uk%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cnatalie.smith2%40worc.ac.uk%7Cd7b77a1fe2e740f2c9dd08dd3c8e340e%7C633880410329433ca4b119a28fce31c6%7C0%7C0%7C638733303646708757%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=mWy3F%2BS8Lpa7UFnoo3dNJbcWUB8hIXPjJ3uyei5%2BvJU%3D&reserved=0]  REACH (Worcestershire) [https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fworcsalliance.org%2Fcommunity-health-research%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cnatalie.smith2%40worc.ac.uk%7Cd7b77a1fe2e740f2c9dd08dd3c8e340e%7C633880410329433ca4b119a28fce31c6%7C0%7C0%7C638733303646722945%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=GfIOyLeVnvmu5rDGtT%2BQUSFmzgu2TtP410BdTOCsMHI%3D&reserved=0] Community Research Project  CLEAR (Herefordshire) [https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthwatchherefordshire.co.uk%2Freport%2F2024-09-24%2Fcommunity-led-engagement-research-project-report&data=05%7C02%7Cnatalie.smith2%40worc.ac.uk%7Cd7b77a1fe2e740f2c9dd08dd3c8e340e%7C633880410329433ca4b119a28fce31c6%7C0%7C0%7C638733303646737206%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2Bs1TS3SURW3FvwR6oRHUbbN28bXjXRi8wjFaFSVi9zI%3D&reserved=0] Community Research Project  Integrated Care Systems Explained | The King's Fund [https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kingsfund.org.uk%2Finsight-and-analysis%2Flong-reads%2Fintegrated-care-systems-explained&data=05%7C02%7Cnatalie.smith2%40worc.ac.uk%7Cd7b77a1fe2e740f2c9dd08dd3c8e340e%7C633880410329433ca4b119a28fce31c6%7C0%7C0%7C638733303646751421%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=TA2G8NdqtcVNoMJNRIhbPruNKxVqIjav940ojx3q1%2B4%3D&reserved=0]

Funding Journeys: From Searching to Sustaining

In this episode we learn from Hannah Brooman, Founder and CEO of InUnity and Hannah Escott CEO of Burlish Bike Park and Open Trail.    Through their experiences, our guests share funding and grant bid writing journeys; from initially starting small to securing ongoing project funding as their organisations evolved, and new opportunities emerged.   This episode offers several valuable tips, from being your own biggest cheerleader when pitching your project in the funding bid, to adjusting as projects progress.   Listen for more tips and shared best practice!  Links related to this episode:     We are providing some information relating to some of the external projects and support mentioned in this episode:   Funding - Active Herefordshire & Worcestershire [https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.activehw.co.uk%2Ffunding-and-support&data=05%7C02%7Cnatalie.smith2%40worc.ac.uk%7C26745a4c1345476af36408dd210b18f2%7C633880410329433ca4b119a28fce31c6%7C0%7C0%7C638703053734176549%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=P%2FcnPnT3sgJDdd97Pu3RVd8ztKvsdpnJlcOHqq5W0ck%3D&reserved=0]   InUnity [https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.inunityuk.org%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cnatalie.smith2%40worc.ac.uk%7C26745a4c1345476af36408dd210b18f2%7C633880410329433ca4b119a28fce31c6%7C0%7C0%7C638703053734190363%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=hpSpOBqQ8oWNij7ELI9omXHgOzqb2IE0Pu5a0Z4IRMI%3D&reserved=0]   Open Trail - Cycle Coaching & Forest School [https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fopentrail.co.uk%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cnatalie.smith2%40worc.ac.uk%7C26745a4c1345476af36408dd210b18f2%7C633880410329433ca4b119a28fce31c6%7C0%7C0%7C638703053734203801%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=747XnjRBoUWS%2BEBXUDJUwRUrXJsv6ZWum0bShwp%2BZu4%3D&reserved=0]   Get Grants | Introductory Workshops [https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.getgrants.org.uk%2Ffree-intro-workshops%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cnatalie.smith2%40worc.ac.uk%7C26745a4c1345476af36408dd210b18f2%7C633880410329433ca4b119a28fce31c6%7C0%7C0%7C638703053734217107%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=fkTeaKXXFk94TKxykMTQYtXe%2FOUZE%2BMtUamcqAkc6NQ%3D&reserved=0]

Peer-to-Peer Learning: The PACC Movement

In this episode we hear from Toni Martin, Physical Activity Clinical Champion (PACC) for the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC) [https://www.shu.ac.uk/advanced-wellbeing-research-centre] at Sheffield Hallam University and an Associate Lecturer of Midwifery, teaching at BSc and MSC level at the University of Worcester.  Toni shares how PACC training can empower healthcare professionals to understand and communicate the benefits of increasing physical activity to improve health and wellbeing outcomes. Highlighting the hugely positive health impact of going from doing nothing at all, to moving just a little bit more is resourced by Moving Medicine Moving Medicine Consultation Guides; [https://movingmedicine.ac.uk/consultation-guides/find-the-right-consultation-guide/] sharing guidance and tips, designed for short patient conversations which can be tailored to health conditions and is backed by insight and real impact stories.   Toni shares a realistic insight into working with patients within the NHS and delivery of the funded PACC training to healthcare professionals. Demonstrating understanding of professional and patient barriers; aimed to support appropriate conversations to get people moving more for long-term health benefits.  For further information regarding the benefits of PACC training, access the PACC section of the Moving Medicine website [https://movingmedicine.ac.uk/pacc/] or express an interest directly by emailing Sheffield Hallum University [pacc@shu.ac.uk] who currently lead on the national project funded by Sport England [https://www.sportengland.org/funds-and-campaigns/moving-healthcare-professionals].   Disclaimer: Projects are subject to funding which may be liable to change after the release date of December 2024.   Links related to this episode:    We are providing some information relating to some of the external projects and support mentioned in this episode.  Active Hospitals - Moving Medicine [https://movingmedicine.ac.uk/active-hospitals/]  Why Active Conversations? - Moving Medicine [https://movingmedicine.ac.uk/why-movement-matters/why-active-conversations/]  We are Undefeatable - Get active whilst managing a health condition [https://weareundefeatable.co.uk/]  Moving Healthcare Professionals [https://www.sportengland.org/funds-and-campaigns/moving-healthcare-professionals]  NHS - Better Health [https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/]  ELearning for healthcare - elfh [https://www.e-lfh.org.uk/programmes/physical-activity-and-health/]  This Girl Can [https://www.thisgirlcan.co.uk/]  The RCGP Physical Activity Hub [https://elearning.rcgp.org.uk/course/view.php?id=536#section-1]  BMJ Learning [https://new-learning.bmj.com/login]

Tackling climate change through Sport England's 'Every Move'

In part two of this episode, Denise Ludlam, Strategic Lead for Environmental Sustainability at Sport England and Stephen Brewster, Chief Executive Officer at Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire, discuss Sport England Every Move strategy, and its commitment to supporting clubs and organisations with measures to address climate change issues.    Part two also reflects on some of the valuable insight raised by Nigel Gould and Don McAll in part one.     Links related to this episode:   We are providing some information relating to some of the external projects and support mentioned in this episode.  Please remember to never put yourself at risk during a flooding event. * Home - Active Herefordshire & Worcestershire [https://www.activehw.co.uk/]  * Major investment to help sports battle climate change | Sport England [https://www.sportengland.org/news-and-inspiration/major-investment-help-sports-battle-climate-change]  * Every Move - YouTube video [https://youtu.be/_LxqUUuv90w]  * Introducing the Movement Fund | Sport England [https://www.sportengland.org/blogs/introducing-movement-fund]  Funding - Active Herefordshire & Worcestershire [https://www.activehw.co.uk/funding-and-support]  * First Aid - Active Herefordshire & Worcestershire [https://www.activehw.co.uk/first-aid]  Sunguarding course | UK Melanoma Fund [https://www.activehw.co.uk/personal-development]  * Buddle - Active Herefordshire & Worcestershire (activehw.co.uk) [https://www.activehw.co.uk/buddle]  * Environmental sustainability | Buddle [https://buddle.co/learning-and-support-resources/environmental-sustainability] * Worcestershire County Council Sustainability Support [https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/council-services/environment/sustainability-and-carbon-reduction/sustainability-grants-and-support]  * Herefordshire Council Climate Change Support [https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/climate-2/climate-change/4]  * Flood alerts and warnings - GOV.UK (check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk) [https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcheck-for-flooding.service.gov.uk%2Falerts-and-warnings&data=05%7C02%7Csimon.thomas%40worc.ac.uk%7Cf923d9db927c4e37742908dc7b0b5e19%7C633880410329433ca4b119a28fce31c6%7C0%7C0%7C638520535986960432%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ETmi1tmuAsr%2FGFbui%2BXDkI1EwERR8HW74CCmxzjx4qg%3D&reserved=0]