Active Suffolk

The very first Stowmarket Physical Activity & Sport Newsletter is now available to read on our website! Put together by our Place Officer for Stowmarket & Sudbury, Janet Lawrence, the newsletter aims to highlight local organisations, projects, sessions and initiatives which provide opportunities for local residents to be physically active. Visit our website to read it all! https://lnkd.in/eD6QAfw5

We are proud to support the Active Partnerships Menopause Commitment and are dedicated to supporting women's health throughout our work, with a focus on understanding how menopause affects women. This includes raising awareness of the positive impact that physical activity can have on those experiencing perimenopause and menopause. Our organisation works closely with women's health networks and we are proud to continue striving to foster an environment throughout where open discussions about health are encouraged without fear of stigma. Together, we are committed to supporting one another in fostering healthy and inclusive environments for all.

Why not take a 'leaf' out of our wonderful Janet's book and take some time in nature for yourself today. As Janet so perfectly put, when life gets stressful (and we know how quickly that can build up), sometimes just taking a few minutes to walk outside, breathe the fresh air and taking that time for you can make all the difference. How are you getting out there today? 🍂🌲

Last week, our wonderful Emma Swan got to spend 2 days at the Include Summit with colleagues from just over the way in Active Norfolk – Anita and Ellen They spent 2 days listening to experts with a variety of lived and learnt experience, uniting to contribute to more inclusive physical activity and sports offers. To say the days were insightful and of value is an understatement – Emma already has over 15 pages of notes and reflections! Not only will she be sharing these within our organisation but she will be discussing the reflections with her fellow Sport Welfare Officers across the country. Amongst so many vital topics, some key themes that ran throughout both days included: 1. Sport is for everyone. It’s more than just performance. It’s about dignity, expression, development and human rights to name a few. 2. Inclusive approaches benefit everyone 3. Representation matters – we need people to see diversity in all levels and roles throughout sport 4. Research and innovation must be shaped by lived experience 5. The power of youth voice – “let young people tell you what is possible” 6. The consistent need to consider our foundations, authentic strategies, and long-term investments to make lasting change (not just financially but with time and energy) To summarise, Emma wanted to reference the phenomenal talk from https://lnkd.in/eYCRAFeJ on our ability to make change, just like she has used her voice to create an incredible legacy of inclusion https://lnkd.in/ezUYpBYE “𝐈𝐟 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐰, 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧? 𝐈𝐟 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐮𝐬, 𝐰𝐡𝐨?” #IncludeSummit #InclusionInSport #SportWelfare

#FinalCall for #LeisureManagers are your Royal Life Saving Society UK - RLSS UK #TAs joining the many UK leisure centres who are hosting free CPR & Defib training on Wednesday October 16th? Please share what your doing before & after. ukactive CIMSPA British Heart Foundation Resuscitation Council UK Tara Dillon FCIMSPA (Ch) Huw Edwards Jo Talbot Nicholas Grazier Nick Clayton, Assoc. CIPD Warren Smyth Sarah Howard MBE Mark Washington Ben Beevers Taunton Town Council Sudbury Town Council Peter Bundey Belinda Steward BBC News ITV News Suffolk Sound Radio Active Suffolk Rob Dunger

We're #hiring a new Development Officer (Place) - Waveney in Woodbridge, England. Apply today or share this post with your network.

Can you believe it's already the October half term?! 🍂 With spooky season upon us, Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils have put together a list of activities to keep the family entertained this holiday! 👻 From Woodland Activity sessions to kids clubs and football camps, there's is something for everyone! To find out more (including funded places eligibility) and book your spot, visit their website: https://lnkd.in/eekeE2xZ

Today is World Mental Health Day! 🧠 Let's all take a moment to reflect on the importance of mental health and wellbeing. It's a reminder that our minds need care, compassion, and understanding—just like our bodies. Mental health is something we all have, and it is continually changing (and that's okay). Whether you’re facing anxiety, stress, depression, or feeling overwhelmed, please know that you are not alone. There are lots of fantastic services out there that you can access and it’s crucial for us all to continue breaking the stigma, opening up our conversations, and supporting each other in finding better mental health and a feeling of balance. 💚 On this day, let's: - Listen without judgment to those who need to talk. - Be kind to ourselves and others, understanding that everyone is fighting their own battles. - Seek help if we're struggling, because asking for support is a sign of strength. If you or someone you know is going through a tough time, remember that there are resources available, and it's never too late to ask for help. Let's work together to make mental health a priority every day. Please see a variety of support sources below that you can contact; Suffolk Mind Website: suffolkmind.org.uk Email: info@suffolkmind.org.uk Phone: 0300 111 6000 Wellbeing Service Suffolk Website: wellbeingnands.co.uk Email: admin.wellbeing.suffolk@nsft.nhs.uk Phone: 0300 123 1503 Samaritans – Suffolk Branch Website: samaritans.org Email: jo@samaritans.org Phone: 116 123 Campaign Against Living Miserably Website: thecalmzone.net Phone: 0800 58 58 58 Turning Point - Suffolk Website: turning-point.co.uk Phone: 01473 220240 The Source for Young People in Suffolk Website: thesource.me.uk Email: thesource@suffolk.gov.uk Cruse Bereavement Support – Suffolk Website: cruse.org.uk Email: suffolk@cruse.org.uk Phone: 0808 808 1677

🔍 Attention professionals in the maternal and child health and activity sectors! The Active Pregnancy Foundation, in collaboration with @UK Sport, ukactive and the Perinatal Physical Activity Research Group (PPARG) at Canterbury Christ Church University, is conducting a survey aimed at pregnant and postnatal women across the UK. We encourage you to help us spread the word. This survey seeks to gather insights into experiences with physical activity during pregnancy and the postpartum period, as well as the support women need. 📝 Why is this important? The information collected will be invaluable in shaping support and resources tailored to the physical activity needs of all women during and after pregnancy. Eligibility criteria: ✔️ Must be at least 18 years of age ✔️ Living in the United Kingdom ✔️ Either pregnant or up to 12 months postnatal The survey takes just a few minutes and is completely anonymous. Let’s ensure that every woman's voice is heard! ⏰ Deadline: The survey closes at midnight on Wednesday, 6th November. Please share this opportunity within your networks: https://lnkd.in/e3i8MBRT

SAVE THE DATE 📅 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 Our next Cancer & Physical Activity Instructor Training Day will be held at East Suffolk House in Melton. Secure your place now to find out the latest information on cancer related treatments and their effects as well as network with others in the community workforce to ensure best practice for those with long term health conditions. https://lnkd.in/eTfrEQQC