Safeguarding Adults Week 2026: Creating Safer, More Inclusive Sport Together

Two older adults taking part in an indoor bowls session, with one person pointing towards the rink while the other prepares to bowl. The image includes the Every Voice Every Choice Safeguarding Adults Week 2026 logo, highlighting the theme of inclusion, participation and supporting safe sporting environments for adults.

October 26, 2026

16-22 November marks Safeguarding Adults Week 2026, a national campaign led by the Ann Craft Trust that brings organisations together to raise awareness of important safeguarding issues. This year's theme, co-production, highlights the importance of working together, listening to people's experiences, and creating safer environments where everyone can thrive.

At Active Cumbria, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do, and our Sport Welfare Officer Liz, has spent the past year helping clubs and organisations across the county build confidence and knowledge around safeguarding adults in sport.

Liz Wright

" Over this past year I have been fortunate enough to deliver four safeguarding adults courses on behalf of Active Cumbria.  It is always interesting to see where the conversations go on these courses.  For many people safeguarding adults feels new, scary and even intrusive but when you can talk it through with like-minded people it enables you to see that safeguarding adults is important , necessary and doesn’t have to be over complicated.  Safeguarding adults within sports means you are creating safe inclusive spaces where people feel included and any concerns are handled quickly, appropriately and professionally.

"Whether someone has experienced abuse at home or within a club it is important that club members and welfare officers know who to speak to, whether it is to report the concern or chat through an issue that is bothering you.  Active Cumbria, we are always here to help if you need someone to talk an issue through with or seek advice.  For clubs with a National Governing Body, it is important for club Welfare Officers to get to know the safeguarding lead and report things there first but if you need that local support then I am here. My favourite bit about this job is visiting clubs so if you want to invite for a club visit and a cup of tea I am in!!

"Recently on a safeguarding course a participant commented that it was good to know Active Cumbria were there even if just for a debrief and the knowledge of local support services to signpost to.  With the adult safeguarding world changing it is important that people do not feel alone, it is a journey we can all go on together and ensure that no one feels isolated.  Safeguarding both adults and children can only improve the club experience for members, we all want to be safe and happy"

the Every Voice Every Choice Safeguarding Adults Week 2026 logo, highlighting the theme of inclusion, participation and supporting safe sporting environments for adults.

Active Cumbria is working in partnership with a wide range of organisations across Cumbria including Cumbria Safeguarding Adults Board. We believe that working in partnerships allows us to share our knowledge of safeguarding, learn from others and ultimately create safer sport cultures.

Get Involved!  Here’s how your club or organisation can get involved in Safeguarding Adults Week:

  1. Visit the Ann Craft Trust website where you can find a whole host of learning and resources
  2. Sign up to a free online workshop taking place during Safeguarding Adults Week including: Monday 16 November: 10am Safeguarding Adults Week 2026 Official Launch: Safeguarding Starts with Listening and Friday 20 November: 11am Learning & Reflection – Listening to and Working With Victims of Abuse With The UK Sports Institute – Free Safeguarding Adults Week Online Seminar
  3. Free UK Coaching Course - Sign up to our next free online UK Coaching Safeguarding Adults Course which takes place on 1 February 2027 
  4. Reach out to us today, join our Cumbria Club Welfare Officer network and be part of something bigger, helping to shape safer, more inclusive sports for all. Contact Active Cumbria Sport Welfare Officer Liz by e-mail liz.wright@cumberland.gov.u
  5. Sign up to Cumbria United Against Suicide – a county-wide initiative bringing together sports clubs, coaches and participants to help tackle the stigma around suicide and encourage life-saving conversations.
  6. Check out the free support available on Buddle - Sport England's dedicated resource centre 
  7. Visit the Safeguarding for Clubs and Organisations pages of our website 

Together we can help keep everyone #SafeInSport