Summary
Following on from the multi-skills activator training as part of the ‘Get Active, Feel Great’ project, we were approached by Age UK to develop further training to support the continual professional development of volunteers
Approach
To inform the content and format of the training, we consulted with volunteers via an online survey and through face to face interviews. The feedback identified that volunteers wanted further training on chair based activities, ball and indoor games, balance, strength, flexibility and body weight exercises. The opportunity to share best practice was an important element of the training along with signposting to useful resources.
Based on the consultation, we developed a six hour practical workshop focusing on relevant activities and exercises. This included fundamental activator principles such as differentiation, preparing for delivery and inclusion. Following the training, we were able to provide feedback and signpost the volunteers to useful resources.
Outcome
The workshop was positively received. 50% of the delegates rated the workshop as ‘excellent’ with the remaining rating the workshop as ‘good’. The following words were used to describe the workshop:
‘Informative’, ‘interactive’, ‘interesting’, ‘fun’, ‘enjoyable’, ‘thought provoking’
We hope the workshop has provided volunteers with appropriate tools to support their delivery in the future.