The purpose of this article is to highlight some information to clubs and people across the Scottish Fencing community around the rising costs we are all currently experiencing. Hopefully you find it useful and any information you would like to share with the team please just get in touch.
From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, our lives as we knew it before have been greatly changed. From lockdowns, wearing masks and keeping space – today we are still seeing some of these signs around out and about as we look to recover from the pandemic. Sport as we knew it came to a halt, but we are fortunately now in a position where we have been able to enjoy getting back to doing what we love and being physically active again. However now that we are moving into this winter and a new year round the corner, the challenges that some people are facing right now could be greater than ever.
In our day to day lives, we are all seeing the difference in the rising costs. Inflation is the highest it has been in 40 years [1], weekly shopping costs up, car fuel prices up and gas and electric costs up is just a few things that is greatly impacting so many people across the country. Moving into this winter for some unfortunately the difficult choice between eating and heating is a difficult reality, one which could bring many future challenges while we are still trying to recover as a society from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sport as we all know has great benefits to groups of people and individuals. It can allow you to be physically active and socially connected while doing and being part of something you love. Through Sportscotland working groups, sports are coming together to discuss and share the challenges that are being faced across the Scottish sporting system with the rising costs and the impact this is having on membership, participation and events. The more information that different sports can share about the experiences their sport is facing from the rising costs is vital to continue building that picture. Sportscotland believe it is vital that sport and physical activity remains an important part of people’s lives and doesn’t get pushed too far down the priority list and will continue to lobby at government level.
Clubs I do not doubt across the country will also be feeling the pinch. If you are in your own venue there will be increases in costs to heat venues. Others may experience increases in rental costs as well with venues looking to get some of their money covered by those using their facility. Clubs also have that challenge of wanting to make sure that everyone still attends and that sessions are affordable for people. Having some flexibility to support members with session costs is a benefit and could be the difference between someone taking part in physical activity and the sport they love over the winter period and not doing anything at all – which we all know from the COVID-19 pandemic experienced will just lead to further challenges over the coming years in trying to get all those (and potentially more!) back into our clubs and the sport as a whole. An example that has been shared with us from the Scottish Fencing community has been around seeing the rising costs for travelling to and from competitions. Re-budgeting is something that has had to happen as increases in different costs i.e. fuel & hotels is presenting that challenge of making sure that being able to go to competitions and compete is still something that individuals are able to do. Has this been something that others across the Scottish Fencing community have witnessed & experienced?
We do not think that anyone has all the answers or solutions to be able to solve this rising cost crisis. It is something that is still quite fluid and ever-changing on a weekly basis. The key thing is to know that as a sport and a community, we can be there to help support one another. During what could be tough times for some people – don’t forget to check in and see how other people are doing. If anyone has come up with solutions as a club or an individual to save a few pennies here and there please do share them with the team at Scottish Fencing. As mentioned earlier in this article, the more information and sharing that can be done across the sport can go a long way towards keeping the fencing community in Scotland linked together and helping each other out. At the end of the day, we all want to do the best we can whether that is as a coach, volunteer, fencer, committee member or parent (and I know some of you will wear all these hats!) to make Fencing in Scotland the best it can be to everyone who is part of the sport and the community.
[1] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-63212669
P.S. Some further links and reading if interested.
“The cost of living crisis is being felt across most households, with people facing worries over things like rent, bills, energy costs, debt and more.
As part of its response to the situation, the Scottish Government has launched a new website, gov.scot/costoflivingsupport, to help you access the support you need.
From help with energy bills and childcare to health and travel, as well as benefits and payments, the new website acts as an important signpost to them all.
There’s also dedicated information for families, older people and disabled people, who can be particularly impacted by rising costs.
Help and advice is available
Energy costs are a concern for everyone at the moment, but support is available to help with bills as well as funding for improvements, including insulation, to keep your home warmer. The Scottish Government funded Home Energy Scotland service is on hand to provide free and impartial advice online and by phone on 0808 808 2282.
Many people are struggling to manage their debt and money. The Money Talk Team is funded by the Scottish Government, and provides advice online, by phone on 0800 028 1456, or in person at your local Citizens Advice Bureau.
No matter your circumstances, everyone is encouraged to seek the financial support they are entitled to.
To find out more, please visit: gov.scot/costoflivingsupport.”
Further information
https://www.samh.org.uk/about-mental-health/self-help-and-wellbeing/five-ways-to-better-mental-health
https://sportfirst.sportscotland.org.uk/articles/playing-our-part-2022/
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20221107-energy-crisis-how-living-in-a-cold-home-affects-your-health
https://povertyinequality.scot/the-cost-of-living-crisis-and-increasing-poverty/
