Learning from Research: Improving opportunities for physical activity for care-experienced children and young people
Regular physical activity has a wealth of health benefits for children and young people. But physical activity can also improve wellbeing and academic performance, open up social connections and create pathways to volunteering or employment. Despite the considerable benefits, data demonstrates that 52% of children and young people do not get the recommended 60 minutes of physical exercise per day. Furthermore, a Local Government Association (LGA) report shows that care-experienced children and young people are a 'hidden group' whose needs and experiences are overlooked in physical activity policy and provision.
This session will showcase finding from the recent Local Government Association (LGA) report: Guidance on improving physical activity for care-experienced children and young people. The guide provides information, advice, and current good practice examples in supporting care-experienced children and young people to be physically active.
The findings will be presented by Dr Katherine Stockland of the Coram Institute alongside representatives of Stormbreak, a charity focusing on supporting children's mental health through movement who will share their own insights into working with foster carers to embed simple, sustainable physical activities into daily routines. Adding a personal perspective, we'll hear from one of Coram Voice's care-experienced consultants who will share how access to physical activity benefited his own well-being, and ultimately helped him achieve national success in swimming.
Read the full report: Guidance on improving opportunities for physical activity for care-experienced children and young people
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
- Understand the barriers preventing more care-experienced children and young people from taking part in physical activity - and how these can be overcome.
- Learn from best practice examples how social workers and councils can best support care-experienced children to be physically active.
- Insights into how foster carers can embed simple, sustainable physical activities into daily routines.
PRESENTERS
Dr Katherine Stockland, MA, MPhil, PhD - Research Manager, Coram
Katherine is an experienced social researcher, having led research projects for the Scottish Government, Greater London Authority and Youth Futures Foundation, among others. Her published work includes academic literature and policy reports.
Emma Dowinton,Social Worker, Together Programme Manager, stormbreak
Emma is a consultant Together Programme Manager for stormbreak and focuses on training trusted adults to support children in care. She has been a qualified social worker for over 20 years, specialising in working with children and families. She has worked within the field of child protection, assessment and fostering as well as providing training for social workers and foster carers.
Kate Bone, Director of Coaching & Development, stormbreak
Kate is a qualified Coach in Running Fitness, a Mental Health Champion for England Athletics and a Run Leader Mentor helping to support new running clubs. Her main focus is on using running and movement to benefit and support mental health, in adults and children alike. Kate is one of the team behind the creation of the stormbreak activities and as Director of Coaching is responsible for teaching schools how to deliver the activities to children.
WHO'S IT FOR
This session is relevant to social workers, senior social workers, team managers, advanced practitioners, and department heads working in Adoption, Fostering or Kinship Care. It will also be relevant to carers or those working with children and young people.
FEES
Members: FREE (don't forget to log in to your account to receive your discount)
Non-members: £20+VAT.
Places on this event are limited, so early booking is recommended.
CONTACT
Telephone: 0207 520 7520 / 0310
Email: events@corambaaf.org.uk
£20.00