Think Active CSW

Did you know that 1 in 10 children in the UK have experienced neglect?

Children and young people involved in sport and physical activity deserve to feel safe, supported, and cared for. That's why it is so important for coaches, volunteers, instructors, and activity leaders to pay attention to the signs of neglect and understand how to recognise them.

Neglect can sometimes be difficult to identify, as it often develops over time. However, by being aware of potential indicators and noticing patterns of concern, trusted adults can play a vital role in helping children access the support they need.

In this post, we explore some of the signs of neglect that may be seen in sport and physical activity settings, how these concerns may present in a child's home life, and the steps you should take if you are worried about a child.

If you are concerned that a child may be experiencing neglect:
✔ Follow your organisation’s Child Protection Policy and Procedures
✔ Contact your local Children’s Services (details available on the Think Active website)
✔ Contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 for advice
✔ If a child is in immediate danger, call 999

By staying vigilant, recognising the signs, and acting on concerns, we can help ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

"This funding represents more than just new equipment – it's an investment in inclusion, wellbeing, and opportunity."

We are delighted to have supported Heart of England Mencap in successfully securing more than £7,000 from Sport England's Movement Fund to boost their Cyc-Ability Club! The funding has enabled them to add to their fleet of specialist trikes and bikes to help make cycling accessible for people of all abilities in Stratford-upon-Avon – amazing news! 😃🙌

If you have a project that helps people get more active in your community, you could also be entitled to help from the Movement Fund. Find out more in our latest news story on the Think Active website ➡️ https://thinkactive.org/stratford-cycling-scheme-secures-funding-boost-to-support-people-with-learning-disabilities/

⚽ Girls Football Results 🏆

Last week we had around 200 girls from schools across Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire join us for the Your School Games Girls Football finals in Rugby. We saw plenty of really close and competitive games, with many decided by penalty shootouts!

There was lots of nice feedback from school staff and the girls who took part. Well done and many thanks again to all our partners who helped make the day possible! 🙌

Special congratulations to our top three in each event shown below – full results can be found on our website: https://thinkactive.org/school-games-2/

U13 Compete
🥇 Kenilworth
🥈 Twycross House
🥉 President Kennedy

U15 Compete
🥇 Coundon Court
🥈 Langley
🥉 North Leamington

U13 Develop
🥇 Barr's Hill
🥈 Higham Lane
🥉 Park Hall

U15 Develop
🥇 Lyng Hall
🥈 TGA Kingshurst
🥉 Myton

Coming soon: our Tips to Be Active series! 🩷

Being active doesn’t have to be complicated, intense, or mean spending hours in the gym. It can be simple, gentle, and part of the little moments in your day.

Small changes and easy movements can make a real difference to both your physical and mental wellbeing. A short walk, a bit of gardening, dancing around the kitchen, or choosing an activity you genuinely enjoy – every bit of movement matters, and it all adds up.

Every two weeks, we’ll be sharing a new blog packed with friendly, practical tips and simple ideas to help you bring more movement into your everyday routine – no matter your age, ability, or starting point.

We can’t wait to share the first post with you soon – keep an eye out!

We’re Hiring: Strategic Partnership Lead – Coventry 🩷
Application deadline: 8 June 2026

Think Active is seeking a passionate and collaborative systems leader to help drive physical activity across Coventry as part of Sport England’s Place Expansion programme.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work at a city-wide level—bringing partners together across health, community and inequality agendas to embed physical activity into everyday life and create lasting impact for local people.

We’re looking for someone who thrives on partnership working, relationship building, and turning shared ambition into meaningful change across complex systems.

What’s on offer:
• £42,500 salary + travel expenses & pension
• Fixed-term contract until 31 March 2028
• 37 hours per week

If you’re motivated by collaboration and improving lives through physical activity, we’d love to hear from you.

Link for more information and to apply: https://thinkactive.org/job-opportunities/

For an informal chat about the role, contact [email protected]

Last week’s publication of the Government’s new Health and Social Care Committee report on healthy ageing reinforces that staying active is fundamental to living healthier, more independent lives for longer.

The report highlights the significant role physical activity plays in preventing and delaying long-term health conditions, reducing health inequalities, and supporting healthier ageing across communities.

At Think Active, we work closely with partners, communities and organisations across Coventry, Solihull & Warwickshire to help create the conditions that empower people to move more in ways that work for them.

Read the full report here: https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5901/cmselect/cmhealth/1180/report.html

Over the last few days, temperatures have been rising, and it’s more important than ever to take care of your body and stay hydrated. Hot weather can leave you feeling tired, dizzy, and drained without you even realising it. A few small habits throughout the day can help you stay refreshed, energised, and feeling your best this summer:

1. Start your morning with a glass of water
Before coffee or breakfast, give your body the hydration it needs after a long night’s sleep. It’s a simple way to wake up feeling refreshed and energised.

2. Enjoy more water-rich foods
Fresh fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumber, oranges, and berries can help keep you cool while adding extra hydration to your day.

3. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty
Thirst is often a sign your body is already running low on fluids. Keep a water bottle nearby and take small sips regularly throughout the day.

4. Stay cool whenever possible
Spend time near a fan or in the shade when the heat feels intense. Giving your body a chance to cool down can make a big difference.

5. Include electrolytes when sweating a lot
If you’ve been outdoors, walking, exercising, or sweating heavily, electrolytes can help replace important minerals your body loses through sweat.

A gentle reminder to slow down, drink your water, and take care of yourself during the heat. Your body will thank you for it.

“I truly believe everyone should take part in this session… A little understanding goes a long way.” 🩷

Our Sport Welfare Lead Charlie Creed recently worked alongside Alzheimer’s Society, Bowls England and Active Together to deliver a Dementia Friends session at Leamington Bowls Club, welcoming members from bowls clubs across Warwickshire.

The session focused on deepening understanding of dementia and inspiring positive action within local communities.

Helen Lewis-Wall, Disability Officer at Bowls England, shared:

“Both of my parents lived with Alzheimer’s, and attending the Dementia Friends workshop helped explain many things I hadn’t fully understood before. It gave me clarity and a new perspective on their experiences.”

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped create such an open and compassionate conversation. 👏

Read more about the session here: https://thinkactive.org/free-training-session-helps-warwickshire-sports-clubs-become-dementia-friends/

Inclusive sport starts with welcoming environments. Today's spotlight celebrates the work of Active Partnerships, Sport Welfare Officers and NGBs in creating welcoming and inclusive clubs for everyone where everyone feels safe and welcome — regardless of age, background, or ability. Find out more: https://ow.ly/1wqa50Z1A6q