Scottish Club Chat - May 2024
The RYA Scotland Regional Development Officers have been out in their regions visiting club leaders and members and enjoying all the early season activity. It is surely just the beginning of a fantastic season afloat.
sportscotland’s theme for May is Moving for Mental Health (#FeelYourPersonalBest). To mark the month, first, remember that physical activity, like sailing and windsurfing, is good for your mental health and wellbeing as well as your physical health, so take care of yourself and get moving! (And take along as many others as you can.) Also, perhaps your club could look at SAMH’s Mental Health Charter for Physical Activity and Sport which aims to empower communities to improve equality and reduce discrimination, ensuring mental health and wellbeing are not barriers to participating in physical activity and sport.
The PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) Process is changing for the organisations who currently access free PVG checks for volunteers through the RYA. Information has been sent to all PVG Co-ordinators registered with RYA so please ensure you check your inbox in order to complete the easy transfer to Volunteer Scotland Disclosure Services. If you have any questions or are looking to get PVG checks carried out on any volunteers for the 2024 season then please get in touch with Liza Linton via safeguarding@ryascotland.org.uk and we can support you through the new process!
An RYA Scotland Disability Awareness Training Day will be held on Saturday 8 June at Lochore Meadows. Around 1 in 5 people have a disability, so understanding barriers that prevent people taking part can help you and your club engage more people in boating. Register today.
RYA’s Discover Sailing campaign provides clubs with physical and online resources, helping them get more people on the water. Register your club today and get support in delivering a successful event for new, returning, or even existing sailors.
RYA Scotland may also support your event! RYA Scotland is aiming to provide support to several clubs/centres in running first-time opportunity events such as open days, tasters, or transition days. The support offered will be bespoke, based on the request, RYA Scotland’s available resources, and follow-up conversations and may include some financial support, a coach or instructor, or other tangible assistance. Register your interest today.
On Course for the Future is RYA Scotland’s new development framework for RYA-affiliated clubs and centres. The framework is comprised of several guides to help you continue to develop and effectively steer the direction of your organisation. Explore the document yourself or with your fellow leaders; then reach out to your Regional Development Officer to discuss how and where to get started with it.
What is happening at your club or centre? Our Development Team is here to support you, so don’t hesitate to contact us if you need help. But we also want to hear about your successes and even ordinary stuff. Email us (Development@RYAScotland.org.uk) or tag RYA Scotland on social media or share your newsletters with your RDO. We would also love to know if you are planning a Discover Sailing or another open event in 2024.
We want to see even more deserving people recognised through our RYA Scotland Impact Awards in 2024. Nominations are open year-round for you to put forward those who make a difference to your boating. Whether that’s an inspirational person, team, or organisation – we want to hear from you! Get involved now – your nomination could become cause for celebration! View previous winners on the RYAS YouTube Channel.
Here are a few funding options to consider:
- RYA Scotland Class Grants, supporting training, events, and regatta attendance in Scotland;
- National Lottery Awards for All Scotland (Please ensure your RDO is aware of any application for this funding as they will likely be consulted during the review process).
- Tesco Stronger Starts;
- Bruce Wake Charitable Trust, for the provision of leisure activities for people with physical disabilities;
- The Sportsman’s Charity;
- Nature Restoration Fund;
- The Robertson Trust;
- Marine Fund Scotland 2024-2025.
All the best from The Development Team – Laura, Brian, Rhys, Liza & Naseef
7/5/2024