Blog: Every Voice. Every Choice.

For me, safeguarding starts with something very simple: listening.

Everyone should feel safe, respected and welcome when they take part in sport and physical activity. Just as importantly, they should feel able to speak up and know that their voice will be heard.

That’s why this year’s Ann Craft Trust Safeguarding Adults Week theme, Every Voice. Every Choice, really resonates with me. It reminds us that good safeguarding isn’t about making decisions for people. It’s about listening to what matters to them and supporting them to have choice and control.

As Safeguarding Lead at Active Kent & Medway, a big part of my role is helping to keep safeguarding at the heart of our work and supporting local organisations to create safe, positive environments.

Safeguarding can sometimes feel like a daunting subject, but you don’t have to be an expert to make a difference.

If you run a sports club, activity group or community organisation, start by asking a few simple questions. Do people feel welcome? Do they know who they can talk to if they’re worried? Are we listening to what participants tell us?

Safeguarding Adults Week encourages organisations to put people’s experiences, wishes and priorities at the centre of safeguarding.

We know that the people involved in sport and physical activity locally want to do the right thing. Our role is to help you feel confident in doing that. Whether you’re a club, coach, volunteer or activity provider, we can help you understand good safeguarding practice, strengthen your approach and identify where to go for further advice or support.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, but no one has to do it alone.

This Safeguarding Adults Week, I’d encourage you to take a moment to listen to the people you support and ask: what would help you feel safe, included and heard?

Sometimes, starting that conversation is the most important step. Every voice matters. Every choice matters. And together, we can make sport and physical activity across Kent and Medway safer and more welcoming for everyone.

Published: November 2026.