The Netball NSW Inclusive Community Grant applications have opened today, Friday 14 February and will remain open until Friday 13 March 2020.
The Inclusive Community Grant is designed to give affiliated Netball NSW Associations and their affiliated Clubs the means to include minority groups in netball to create a harmonious and accepting environment that reflects the modern landscape of inclusive netball in NSW. Up to the value of $1000 per Association, this grant is matched in-kind by Associations as a reflection of their ongoing commitment to inclusion in our community.
For more details on the Inclusive Community Grants head here.
Case Study
St George District Netball Association – 2019
Purpose of the Project
In 2019, St George District Netball Association (SDNA) were successful recipients of the Inclusive Community Grant, and we ran the Healthy Lifestyle Program. The Healthy Lifestyle Program was designed to provide a holistic approach to healthy living for adults with a disability using netball as the core element of physical activity for participants. There are no other opportunities for participants in the St George area for a similar program so we saw need for such a program.
Approach
We contacted the Intellectual Disability Foundation of St George to determine if their clients would be interested in our new Healthy Lifestyle Program. We also contacted other organisations who offered disability programs and invited their clients to participate in our program. We also garnered community involvement and some media attention, which assisted our program to evolve by increasing public awareness.
Who was involved?
The buy-in from the St George executive team was a key aspect of the success of this program. Club coaches and volunteers, the Intellectual Disability Foundation of St George, Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists (OT), and Unify Netball who ran a specialist shooting clinic.
Target Demographic
Young adults aged 18-30 with an intellectual disability.
What type of program did you deliver?
The Healthy Lifestyle Program was a 10-week clinic style program. From September to December, we ran one-hour sessions that touched on elements of healthy living including maintaining physical activity levels, nutrition, social and mental health, and of course netball skills and drills.
How did you achieve the outcomes of your Project?
One of the main outcomes of the Healthy Lifestyle Program was for the participants to enjoy the importance of having a healthy lifestyle. By promotion of our program to gain participants, we were able to provide this to our community. We provided some therapy and physical activity through an OT volunteering their time; however, the participants were so keen on the netball component that we had to cut some of the other elements short to ensure they got on court, which was positive to see their engagement in our sport!
Sustainability Practices
Items purchased using the Inclusive Communities Grant funding will last years to come, and the prizes and items bought specifically for the participants of the Healthy Lifestyle Program such as drink bottles and towel will serve as a reminder about the program and encourage further participation. The personnel who ran the program are all volunteers who are dedicated to the future of the program, so ongoing staff costs are not a concern.
What were some of the key takeaways from your experiences with this project?
We found that transport to and from the courts were the most significant logistical concern for our participants. Without a carer or a parent present, there was no way for participants to attend the Healthy Lifestyle Program. This lead to a perceived lack of independence for our participants, and is an issue we will certainly have to address to ensure the long-term sustainability of our program.
What message would you send prospective clubs or associations looking to begin programs like yours?
Netball networks are endless! You will be surprised at how many people in your own association and club has capacity and experience in projects similar to this. You simply have to reach out to the wider community and see who is able to give some form of assistance. The results of the program are extremely rewarding, and it will become the highlight of your week!
