Workshops

Audiences (separate workshops for each audience, designed specifically for each group):

• Coaches, Performance Support
• Parents/Carers/Supporters
• Swimmers

Body image is a pervasive issue impacting more people, at all ages, genders and in all bodies, than ever before. Many of us are feeling ill-equipped, yet concerned about this issue which can have serious physical and mental health consequences.

Every member of the swimming community has an important voice in supporting swimmers to feel good in their bodies and when we understand more what’s actually going on, we can feel more confident in the action steps we can take.

You will leave with a thorough understanding of:

• The developmental trajectory of body image.
• What impacts body image? Including risks and protective factors.
• How you can develop confidence in your language and communication.
• Identifying early warning signs of body distress, and what to say and do next
• Your role in engagement and taking meaningful action
• Resources for further support

Audience (separately or combined): Coaches, Administrators, Performance Support Team

Leave with a comprehensive understanding of why what we say matters, and how to communicate thoughtfully and intentionally with swimmer wellbeing in mind. This workshop is perfect for any adult in a support role (coach, administrator, PST, teacher) who wonders “what on earth do I say when….” or wants to feel more confident and competent in addressing some of the trickier edges of our role working with swimmers.

Outline

• What is “body talk” and why does it matter?
• Why swimmers might not hear what you say – and why impact matters
• Practical, concrete options for communicating with athlete safety in mind
• Navigate a variety of scenarios we may encounter in swimming spaces

Audiences (separate workshops for each audience):

• Coaches, Performance Support
• Parents/Carers/Supporters
• Swimmers

REDs (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport) describes the collection of symptoms that emerge when someone is not meeting their energy needs, either intentionally or unintentionally, in ways that can have significant and detrimental effects on many different body systems.

Understanding the what, why and how of REDs can offer coaches and performance support practitioners key skills in spotting its symptoms early on, giving swimmers the opportunity to address imbalances in an empowered way and prevent progression of symptoms.

In these workshops, designed specifically for either coaches and performance support practitioners OR parents/carers/support people OR swimmers aged 12+ of all genders, you’ll leave feeling clear on

• What is REDs, how does it emerge
• How to spot early warning signs
• What your role is (and is not)
• Who to turn to in supporting swimmers to take next steps
• Connecting with your own resources and support

Audiences (designed for each group and audience specifically):

• Parents/Carers/Supporters (as a guide we suggest parents of swimmers up to 12 OR 12+ as separate presentations due the different needs at varying ages)
• Swimmers

This workshop is designed specifically for EITHER parents of developing swimmers (as a guide we suggest parents of swimmers up to 12 OR 12+ as separate presentations) OR swimmers (aged 12+). This session, delivered by an Accredited Sports Dietitian and designed with your specific audience in mind, covers some of the essential topics to help you optimise a swimmer’s food and nutrition for training and everyday living:

• Nutrition myth busting
• Fuelling for Performance – everyday, training and competition nutrition, hydration
• Supplements

Get a preview on what you can expect in this session here in this “Fuelling for Purpose” clip and meet some of the amazing presenters!

Audience (separately or combined): Coaches, Administrators, Performance Support Team

**Please note that this workshop may also be appropriate for swimmers aged 18+ but not for younger swimmers (we would recommend the Body Empowerment workshop as a better match for ages 12-18 years)

A recent report (Butterfly Foundation/Deloitte 2024) revealed that Eating Disorders have sharply on the rise over the past decade, notably in young people, accompanied by an economic cost exceeding $66.9 billion in the 2023 financial year. Mental health and eating disorders are everyone’s business and understanding what, who, how, why and when is critical so that we can all play our part in supporting the wellbeing of swimmers, and our entire swimming community.

In this workshop, you’ll learn about:

What you most need to know in your role about Eating Disorders.

Myths that propel Eating Disorders in sporting environments.

Your role in prevention and early intervention (NEDC Stepped Care Framework).

How you can more confidently identify and respond to body image distress, and be clear about what to do and say next.

How to have a conversation with a parent/coach if you are concerned.

Where and how to get support yourself.

These webinars are going to be specifically designed for Coaches, Parents/Supporters and Performance Support Staff, specific to these roles.