Following a chance meeting at a Hertfordshire County Council Sport of Good event in May, hosted by the High Sheriff Annie Brewster, herself a former international athlete, Lucy Prestedge, Herts Netball Development Officer accompanied by Sally Whittle, Herts Netball Community Coach were invited to put on a fun filled Netball session in July for residents of a Herts Contingency Hotel.
With support from Herts Sports Partnership and Hertfordshire Constabulary, seven ladies attended the session held outside on the hotel car park. They were introduced to the basic skills, including passing, movement, shooting, footwork and team building. Some of the participants were familiar with Netball from their native countries. Interestingly, Lucy and Sally added a new rule right from the start – say your name when you were passed the ball in the first activity. This enabled positive engagement to start from the beginning, with connections and conversation throughout. Life in a contingency hotel can be challenging, and even though these women might have rooms on the same floor, they often don’t have the confidence to talk to each other. Police Seargent Karen Mellor commented ‘Netball is such a great way for people to come to together’.
With support from Herts Sports Partnership and Hertfordshire Constabulary, seven ladies attended the session held outside on the hotel car park. They were introduced to the basic skills, including passing, movement, shooting, footwork and team building. Some of the participants were familiar with Netball from their native countries. Interestingly, Lucy and Sally added a new rule right from the start – say your name when you were passed the ball in the first activity. This enabled positive engagement to start from the beginning, with connections and conversation throughout. Life in a contingency hotel can be challenging, and even though these women might have rooms on the same floor, they often don’t have the confidence to talk to each other. Police Seargent Karen Mellor commented ‘Netball is such a great way for people to come to together’.
The climax was a match with each team being a mix of residents, HSP Officers, and Stevenage Community Safety Unit. Both teams were supported by a crowd of spectators who cheered every goal that was scored. This further encouraged confidence and engagement, so that at the end they all left with smiles and enthusiastic for future sessions. Which team won? Who cares, it was Netball that was the winner.
A second session was organised for 7th August for the same hotel. Eight ladies attended this session plus a couple of young daughters of the ladies. It was amazing to see them play with their mums, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Another session at this hotel is now planned for 11th September. In addition, Herts Police have asked if this could be replicated in another hotel in North Herts, date to be confirmed. Who knows how many hotels there is with the potential to work with?
A second session was organised for 7th August for the same hotel. Eight ladies attended this session plus a couple of young daughters of the ladies. It was amazing to see them play with their mums, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Another session at this hotel is now planned for 11th September. In addition, Herts Police have asked if this could be replicated in another hotel in North Herts, date to be confirmed. Who knows how many hotels there is with the potential to work with?
