The physical activity and sport sector recognise the importance of building confidence and social inclusion for residents. Aaron Strachan from Changing Lives Community Services is an individual who has been both a recipient of the benefits of being active and has managed to use his position to make a difference to others lives.
In November 2021, Changing Lives were able to launch ParkPlay in Harlow and Aaron is leading this work. Park Play is fun, free and for everyone, getting the whole family active and engaging in physical activity. The project works to remove as many barriers as possible to ensure participants can access engaging opportunities and bring local communities together.
Aaron shared “Growing up with selective mutism, during my childhood I struggled with confidence and would often be too overwhelmed to join any clubs. However, after joining my first football club this all changed for me as I was doing something I loved and from this began to gain confidence and begin to feel I was able truly express myself not just at football but in everyday life. As a sports coach I am in the perfect position to help others who struggle with personal battles to use sports and physical activity as a tool to overcome them and this is something I love about my role.”
Aaron wishes to share his experience of how sports and physical activity has helped him develop as a person and be able to persuade others to engage in physical activity and provide an opportunity to develop people’s confidence and skills.
The plan is to expand Park Play in Harlow into more green spaces, allowing more families to gain the benefits that physical activity can provide and hopefully continue to inspire others and create environments for the participants where they feel comfortable and enjoy their time at the sessions.
Changing Lives Community Services provide an array of coaching opportunities and if you want to find out more about their work then visit: Changing Lives in Harlow (changinglivescommunityservices.co.uk)
