The
Get Active Buddy Scheme (pdf, Apr 11, 246KB)
creates opportunities for those at higher risk of poor health to
get physically active with the aim of improving their physical
health and mental wellbeing.
There are many people at higher risk of poor health in North
Somerset who require the support of a Get Active Buddy to help them
exercise, as they may lack confidence to exercise alone or may
simply not have anyone to exercise with.
Those at higher risk of poor health will be referred to the
scheme by key workers or professionals supporting them.
So what type of person are we looking for?
Anyone can become a buddy once they have been CRB checked and
reference checked by North Somerset Council. All you need is
a desire to take part in physical activity and the willingness to
share that experience with others.
A Get Active Buddy's role is to give individual attention,
encouragement and to improve the confidence levels of the
individuals they support. There is no need for in-depth
sports knowledge or to be experienced in your chosen
activity, in fact you might like to try a new activity
yourself.
It will help if you are friendly and like meeting people, are
non-judgemental and a good listener. It's all about making a
difference, getting fitter and having fun.
Get Active Buddies will:-
- give direction - guide and advise
- promote change
- be a positive role model
- be willing to share the benefits of their experience
- provide positive reinforcement to the person they are
supporting to exercise
- observe boundaries - verbal and non-verbal
How can you become a Get Active Buddy?
The process is outlined below:-
-
application form (pdf, Aug 11, 75KB)
- references: one employer and one personal
- informal discussion
- CRB and ISA (when active)
- Equity training
What happens next?
If you successfully complete the process, you will be contacted
when/if a suitable placement arises.
Buddies will be required to sign up to the Get Active Buddy
agreement before starting a placement.
How are placements set up?
- Referral - a professional officer from a referring agency
refers the person in question onto the project
- Matching - we will identify the most appropriate buddy to work
with the person in question
- Set-up meeting - a meeting is held with the buddy, professional
officer from the referring agency and the person requesting
support, to discuss the needs and aims of all parties.
- The Get Active Buddy placement starts! Placements will be
for a minimum of 16 sessions.
Go4Life Chequebook Scheme
The Get Active
Buddy scheme is part of the Chequebook scheme and people at
higher risk of poor health (Get Active Buddy members) are
eligible to receive eight activity cheques which give them free
access to North
Somerset Leisure Centres, when they have been referred by a
chequebook scheme key worker.
Buddies, when accompanying members to the leisure centre, will
also gain free access with a Chequebook Scheme identity
certificate.
Activity cheques can be used for the fitness gym, swimming pool,
squash, badminton and tennis courts.
For more information contact the
Sport and Active
Lifestyles team.
