Sport can build confidence, foster connections, and even act as a powerful tool for preventing abuse.
Sport and activity organisations can help support individuals who may be at increased risk of harm, help to build resilience, and help prevent or reduce the risk of abuse. And through social prescribing, we can ensure that those who need sport the most can access services in their local area.
What Is Social Prescribing?
Social prescribing is when professionals, such as GPs, mental health workers, or social worker, refer individuals to community-based support to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.
When it comes to sport and activity, this might include referring individuals to things like:
- Group exercise classes
- Walking groups
- Sport clubs or teams
- Dance or movement therapy
- Volunteering opportunities in sport
Link Workers
At the centre of this model is a link worker.
Link workers are trained professionals who listen, build trust, and connect people to the right support in the community.
Who Might Be Referred To Sport or Activity Through Social Prescribing?
- Adults with care and support needs who require additional support to keep themselves safe
- Adults in coercive relationships or facing domestic abuse
- Older adults isolated and at risk of financial or other forms of abuse
- Adults in vulnerable situations or circumstances that increase their risk of harm or abuse, such as homeless people or people with addiction issues
- Survivors of abuse rebuilding their confidence
- Carers under pressure and in need of connection
How Can Social Prescribing Through Sport and Activity Help Prevent Abuse?
Abuse thrives in isolation, and when people are silenced and disempowered.
But sport offers connection, confidence, and community. These are all protective factors that can strengthen an individual’s ability to seek support if they need it.
Reducing Isolation Through Participation
People at risk of abuse are often isolated from friends, family, or community. But a weekly walking group, yoga class, or wheelchair basketball session can be a lifeline, helping people form connections that reduce loneliness.
Taking part in sport and activity can also encourage discussion and conversations. For example, an older adult socially prescribed to a community bowls club may build friendships. Over time, these connections may help them to talk about their concerns at home.
Building Confidence and Self-Esteem
Sport helps people rediscover their strengths. Eventually, people might discover that they’re physically and mentally stronger than they thought, and more confident in connecting with people.
This is especially important for those in or at risk of coercive, controlling, or emotionally abusive situations. For example, someone in a domestic abuse situation at home might find a sense of belonging, routine, and encouragement in a local netball club. This could build their self-worth and help them feel seen. And this may eventually help them to speak out and seek support.
Creating Safe, Trusted Spaces
When sport providers are trained to spot the signs of abuse, they can become key allies in early intervention. In this way, coaches, instructors, and volunteers in sport can be some of the first trusted adults a person sees regularly outside the home.
Empowering Through Structure and Routine
Many people at risk of abuse experience chaos or unpredictability in their daily lives. But sport offers structure, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Even if it’s just a weekly meetup, it can give individuals something to look forward to, and a reason to step out of harmful environments.
Acting as a Gateway to Further Support
A sport or activity session may be the first step in a longer journey.
Through social prescribing, individuals can eventually access a wider support network. The trust they build in the sport setting could eventually help them discover mental health services, domestic abuse charities, housing support, and safeguarding teams.
What Role Can the Sport Sector Play?
To fully embrace its potential in prevention, the sport and physical activity sector can:
- Partner with Link Workers and Social Prescribing Services. Become a known and trusted venue for referrals. Make sure your club or organisation is known to local link workers and primary care networks. Highlight how your activities support mental health, inclusion, and community connection.
- Train Staff and Volunteers in Safeguarding Adults and Abuse Awareness. Ensure your coaches, instructors, staff and volunteers feel confident in recognising the signs of abuse, understand how to respond, and know how to refer or signpost people to appropriate support services. Access our safeguarding adults in sport training opportunities here.
- Create Welcoming, Inclusive, Safe Environments. Having an open, inclusive and safe environment encourages people to want to attend sessions. Open your doors to those who need sport the most. A welcoming space can make all the difference for someone coming from a place of fear or exclusion. Find out how our Safer Culture, Safer Sports resources can help make your sport more welcoming for all.
- Design Accessible, Inclusive Programmes. Don’t offer a one-size-fits-all experience. Think outside of the box. Offer walking sport, movement classes, or other opportunities to reach as many people as possible.
- Promote Affordability and Flexibility. Provide subsidised access or outreach in underserved areas.
- Listen to your participants. Tailor your offerings to their meet their needs and feedback. Reach out to your local community. Aim to understand their needs so you can fill any gaps in local community provision.
Social Prescribing in Action – Case Studies
Through social prescribing, sport can become a powerful prevention strategy against abuse. Sport and activity can combat isolation while building individuals’ mental and physical health, all while fostering safe and trusted relationships.