Paddle Scotland is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for everyone involved in paddlesports. Central to this mission are our seven dedicated Equality Groups.
Our Equality Groups are volunteer-led committees that have been instrumental in developing and delivering initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion across the paddling community.
The seven groups are:
- Young Persons Equality Group
- Accessible Paddling Equality Group
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Equality Group
- Lifelong Equality Group
- LGBTQ+ Equality Group
- Female Equality Group
- Ethnicity Equality Group
Highlights of Recent Initiatives
Over the past few years, these groups have achieved significant milestones, directly impacting the accessibility and culture of paddlesports in Scotland.
One of the key areas of success has been increasing awareness and tackling barriers to participation.
Here are some of the key initiatives delivered by the groups:
| Equality Group Focus | Key Initiative Delivered | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Female Equality Group | Women’s Leadership & Development Programme | A programme to support female paddlers achieve coaching, leading or instructing qualifications either as a first step or to advance existing qualifications. |
| Accessible Paddling Equality Group | Sharing Practice Days | Deliver a sharing practice day inviting both providers and Club members to share knowledge and be introduced to some of the Adaptive equipment available File |
| LGBTQ+ Equality Group | Paddling with Pride | Now in its 5th year it brings together LGBTQ+ paddlers, coaches and allies for a weekend of fun and Paddlesport. |
| Young Persons Equality Group | Young Ambassador programme | Now in its second cohort of Young Ambassadors it is helping to develop young paddlers and highlight the opportunities in Paddlesport. |
| Accessible Paddling Equality Group | Delivering paddlesport at Wheels to Water and supporting SDS parasport festivals | Helping to deliver a variety of opportunities to people with a disability, working in partnership with Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) |
Influencing Paddle Scotland
The groups have also been critical in ensuring that inclusion is embedded within Paddle Scotland's governance and resources.
This includes influencing the development of Grandtully Station Park Campsite. Through consultation with the groups we installed gender neutral facilities, 6 accessible showers and toilets and with the addition of a changing places toilet.
Also keep an eye out for the new Facebook Group - Inclusive Paddling in Scotland set up by the Accessible Paddling Equality group with aim of sharing ideas and practice amongst those providing paddleport to people with that might need additional support, but also offering opportunities to those looking to take part.
Join the Equality Groups
The success of these initiatives relies entirely on the continuous input and dedication of our volunteers. If you are passionate about making paddlesport more inclusive, we need your help, ideas and skills.
Our Equality Groups are always looking for new members to:
- Share personal experiences to inform policy and initiatives.
- Help organize and run both new and existing events such as Paddling with Pride or Wheels to Water
- Contribute to the development of new ideas and initiatives
- Drive forward the next set of transformative projects.
- Help write and gather articles to highlight equality diversion and inclusion within Paddlesport.
Joining an Equality Group is a fantastic opportunity to directly shape the future of paddling in Scotland and meet like-minded people. No previous committee experience is necessary - just a commitment to equality and a willingness to help and get involved.
To find out more about the equality groups please contact
roger.holmes@paddlescotland.org.uk.
To express your interest in joining one or more of the equality groups, please fill out this form.
We look forward to hearing from you to help us continue this great work and make a real difference in our community!
SHARE YOUR STORY
If you have a story that would be of interest to the Paddle Scotland team please get in touch with us...
Share Post
RECENT NEWS
