Creating Safer Cultures in Sport – Learning From Lived Experience
Season 1, Episode 17, Nov 23, 2021, 01:00 PM
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In this powerful and courageous episode, join former professional footballer Paul Stewart as he shares his personal journey of overcoming child sexual abuse and advocates for safer cultures within sports organisations and clubs.
We focus on the importance of prioritising safeguarding at all levels, ensuring that club and organisations safeguarding policies are communicated to everyone as well as the importance of creating a culture of safety where children's voices are heard.
Paul also emphasises to need for robust safeguarding policies and procedures in sport and activity to ensure all children and young people have a safe and fun experience.
In this episode of the CPSU podcast, we cover:
Paul also emphasises to need for robust safeguarding policies and procedures in sport and activity to ensure all children and young people have a safe and fun experience.
In this episode of the CPSU podcast, we cover:
- the wider impact of abuse
- what sports clubs can do to help build a safe environment
- the importance of safeguarding policies and procedures
- listening to young athletes and children
- how people with lived experience should be more involved with organisations and helping create safeguarding policies
- knowing who to report a concern to
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🛑Please note:
During this podcast we talk about childhood sexual abuse. This may be difficult to hear and, for some people, it may bring up distressing memories, thoughts or feelings.
Whilst it may not be easy to listen to, this episode includes important information to help all of us keep children safe in sport.
To look after yourself while you listen consider taking breaks, listening during a walk or before an activity you enjoy such as exercise or meeting a friend.
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💬Featuring
Paul Stephenson – CPSU Senior Consultant
Paul Stewart – former professional footballer
Paul Stewart is a former Premiership and International footballer who played for some of the biggest clubs in English Football, including Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspurs and Liverpool.
Paul has lived experience of childhood sexual abuse by his football coach. Paul’s story was featured in BBC1’s “Football's Darkest Secret”, where he discussed openly and honestly about the impact abuse has had on his life.
Since speaking about his experience, Paul now works to create safer spaces and cultures within sport for all children, young people, adults at risk and athletes. Paul works for the English Football League and Premier League to education and raise awareness with academy players, staff and volunteers
📄 Transcript:
Check out the transcript of this podcast and links to further information on this topic.
🤝Helplines and support
Whilst it may not be easy to listen to, this episode includes important information to help all of us keep children safe in sport.
To look after yourself while you listen consider taking breaks, listening during a walk or before an activity you enjoy such as exercise or meeting a friend.
--
💬Featuring
Paul Stephenson – CPSU Senior Consultant
Paul Stewart – former professional footballer
Paul Stewart is a former Premiership and International footballer who played for some of the biggest clubs in English Football, including Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspurs and Liverpool.
Paul has lived experience of childhood sexual abuse by his football coach. Paul’s story was featured in BBC1’s “Football's Darkest Secret”, where he discussed openly and honestly about the impact abuse has had on his life.
Since speaking about his experience, Paul now works to create safer spaces and cultures within sport for all children, young people, adults at risk and athletes. Paul works for the English Football League and Premier League to education and raise awareness with academy players, staff and volunteers
📄 Transcript:
Check out the transcript of this podcast and links to further information on this topic.
🤝Helplines and support
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NSPCC Helpline
- tel: 0808 800 5000
- email: help@nspcc.org.uk – helping adults to protect children
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Childline
- tel: 0800 1111 – for children and young people aged 18 and under
- HAVOCA – Help for Adult Victims of Child Abuse
- NAPAC – The National Association for People Abused in Childhood
- One in Four – support in Ireland for adults who experienced childhood sexual abuse
- Rape Crisis – support in England and Wales
- Rape Crisis Help – support in Ireland
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Stop It Now! Helpline
- tel: 0808 1000 900 – UK and Ireland
- Survivors UK – support for men
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The Samaritans
- tel: 116 123 - a safe place to talk any time you like
📚More resources:
- Engaging people with lived experience of childhood sexual abuse in sport – Our NSPCC CPSU resource to help understand and communicate with individuals who have lived experience
- Protecting children in sport from grooming and sexual abuse – A NSPCC CPSU resource
- Sample safeguarding policy statement – Our NSPCC CPSU sample policy statement for clubs and organisations to utilise
- Understanding sexual offending and the grooming process – A NSPCC CPSU recorded webinar
- Report into child sexual abuse in sport – Truth Project Thematic Report
💻Make sure you visit the CPSU website for the latest information and guidance about safeguarding in sport