Swim England North East is excited to support the Rise Sport Welfare Forums, an invaluable initiative aimed at fostering a culture of safety, inclusivity, and well-being within sports. These monthly online forums, scheduled for the first half of 2025, are designed to support sport volunteers, organisations, parents/carers, and members across Northumberland and Tyne & Wear.
The forums are completely free and offer a two-part format:
- The first hour features expert-led information sessions on vital welfare topics.
- The final 30 minutes provide an opportunity to discuss challenges, share best practices, and collaborate with others in similar roles across sports.
Here are the details of the upcoming forums and additional free learning opportunities:
Sport Welfare Forums and Learning Events
Bonus Event: Gambling and Gaming Harm in Young People
Training for sports staff and volunteers by YGam
- Monday, 10th February 2025 | 14:00–16:00
Book here - Monday, 10th February 2025 | 18:30–20:30
Book here
Bonus Event: Gambling and Gaming Harm Awareness for Parents and Carers
By YGam
- Tuesday, 11th February 2025 | 12:00–13:30
Book here
Sport Welfare Forum: Inclusivity and Anti-Racism Training
With Show Racism the Red Card
- Tuesday, 18th February 2025 | 19:00–20:30
Book here
Bonus Event: Deaf Awareness and Inclusion in Sport
In-person training at Royal Quays Business Centre, NE29 6DE
- Tuesday, 4th March 2025 | 17:30–20:30
Book here
Bonus Event: Child Exploitation for Sports Clubs and Organisations
By The Children’s Society and Ivison Trust
- Thursday, 6th March 2025 | 18:30–20:30
Book here
Sport Welfare Forum: Disability Awareness and Inclusion in Sport
With Andrew Whitaker from the Activity Alliance
- Tuesday, 11th March 2025 | 19:00–20:30
Book here
Sport Welfare Forum: Neurodiversity Awareness and Inclusion in Sport
With Neurodiverse Sport
- Tuesday, 8th April 2025 | 19:00–20:30
Book here
Sport Welfare Forum: Mental Health Awareness in Sport
With Tyneside and Northumberland Mind
- Wednesday, 14th May 2025 | 18:30–20:00
Book here
Sport Welfare Forum: LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Sport
With Ian Pearson-Brown, Pride in Tennis
- Tuesday, 10th June 2025 | 19:00–20:30
Book here
Join the Sport Welfare Support Group
Stay updated on free training opportunities by joining the Rise Sport Welfare Support Group on Facebook:
Visit the group
We encourage all clubs and contacts across the Northumberland and Tyne & Wear region to share these opportunities widely. Let’s work together to make sports safer, more inclusive, and more supportive for everyone.



