Sport and Physical Activity Network (SPAN)

The Sport and Physical Activity Network event—better known as SPAN—is Wesport’s flagship annual conference. It brings together professionals from across the West of England to collaborate on a shared mission: getting more people active and moving. By uniting organisations and individuals with a common purpose, SPAN aims to enhance the health and wellbeing of local communities through the power of sport and physical activity.

SPAN provides the network with a unique opportunity to:

• Stay informed with the latest headlines, insights, and developments shaping the sport and physical activity landscape.
• Receive key updates on national strategies, and local priorities, and upcoming opportunities that impact the sector.
• Connect and collaborate with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders from across the West of England.
• Share experiences and explore solutions to common challenges.
• Learn from inspiring speakers, case studies, and best practice examples that can help shape future work.
• Strengthen partnerships to create a more active, healthier, and better-connected community.

Where are we now - An idiot’s guide to active communities?

Jeanette Bain-Burnett – Executive Director, Policy and Integrity, Sport England

Drawing on insight and stories, this presentation will aim to provoke thought and action on how we lead, listen and redesign our approach to participation in Sport and Physical Activity to have the greatest impact.

The golden thread: physical activity and addressing our population’s health needs

Nadia Holland – Locality Development Manager for Inner City & East Bristol - Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board

This presentation will outline how sports and physical activity is the golden thread that can support our populations throughout their life course from childhood to old age. This presentation will share some examples of the benefits for not only our local population’s health but also their wellbeing.

Wesport: Acting with purpose for the people and places within the West of England

How will Wesport continue to create a lasting impact and tackle inequalities within the West of England?

West of England Sport & Physical Activity Local Skills Project

Toby Hodder – Workforce Development Manager, CIMSPA

Introduction to the local skills project aiming to create a thriving, skilled and diverse sport and physical activity workforce for the West of England that drives sector growth and improves the health and wellbeing of local communities.

Case study: Inspiring women to lead in fitness and physical activity, shaping a workforce that truly reflects our communities

Samina Baig – Health Ambassador, Caafi Health

Race Equality in Action: A Commitment to Change

Sarah Mcleod – Strategic Lead, Wesport

Join us for a short session sharing the latest updates on our Race Equality work and our continued commitment to becoming an actively antiracist organisation. We’ll highlight the No Hate, Just Sport project, showcasing how we’re working to create inclusive, safe spaces for everyone in sport.

The afternoon networking session will offer delegates the flexibility to attend both themed discussion tables and network informally with peers from across the sector.

The session, “Networking: Connect, Share and Learn,” will feature facilitated discussions led by Wesport and a range of key partners.

These themed discussion tables will provide a focused space to exchange ideas, explore collaborative opportunities, and address shared challenges. While the informal networking area allows for organic conversations and new connections across the network.