ClubWorks is a programme managed by London Sport and funded by the Mayor of London. It is designed to help support clubs and organisations develop in the capital, getting 1,000,000 Londoners more active by 2020.
We caught up with Fay Chung, Trustee of the African & Caribbean Heritage Association (ACHA) to find out how they have used the expertise from the ClubWorks programme develop new opportunities to engage their members.
What is the project and what is it looking to achieve?
ACHA exists to promote the health and wellbeing of those aged over 50 from the African and Caribbean community in Sutton. We wanted to find a way of involving residents aged 70 plus in physical activity at the association. The aim was to support older adults who weren’t active at all and to reduce social isolation. Having consulted our members on the types of activity that they would like, we felt that dance was an inclusive and fun option that everyone could enjoy.
What has this project achieved?
We engaged with an experienced dance tutor to explore ways in which he could use dance sessions to help remove some of the barriers older adults may experience, such as choosing not to use the word ‘sport’ as we know many of the older people are disengaged when they hear these sorts of words. Each week the project had up to 20 people taking part. Over time we saw those taking part increasing their mobility, stamina and reducing their weight.
How has working with ClubWorks helped ACHA?
Without the support of the ClubWorks programme we would not have considered introducing sport as part of our delivery. Our work with Kieran Connolly from London Sport has encouraged us to look at new opportunities to sustain the project. As well as this we have been on many free courses offered by London Sport and hope to continue developing physical activity opportunities within ACHA.
ClubWorks is aimed at community clubs and organisations, youth clubs, as well as traditional sports clubs, delivering in a London Borough. The work of the ClubWorks programme simply wouldn’t be possible without the support of the Mayor of London. The support they provide allows us to help clubs and organisations to develop coaches and volunteers, attract new members and help secure funding for the future.
