Being an Active Bystander
At Active Derbyshire and Active Notts, we believe everyone deserves safe, welcoming spaces to move more. Physical activity should enhance wellbeing, happiness, and inclusion—but sometimes harmful or discriminatory behaviour gets in the way. We all have a role to play in challenging this. Together, our actions can create environments where everyone feels they belong.
Why it Matters
Physical activity, sport and movement are powerful tools for mental, physical, and social health. Yet, research shows that discrimination and harassment remain barriers for many people. By stepping in when something isn’t right, we help make our communities safer and more inclusive.
Being an active bystander means recognising when someone’s behaviour is inappropriate or threatening and choosing to step in, speak up, or offer help. The 5 Ds of Intervention include:
Tools and training
To support us all in demonstrating active bystander behaviours, and encouraging our colleagues, friends and family also, there is support on hand.
How to be an active bystander
Active Notts and Active Derbyshire have produced this video to help explain what being an Active Bystander means in the content of physical activity. This video can be used to help anyone, and everyone understand their role in this as we all have a part to play.
The Yorkshire and Humber Anti-Racism in Sport group worked with Buddle to produce an active bystander video. Within it, lived experience of discrimination is shared and guidance given to help clubs and providers create welcoming safe spaces.
Training
NWG deliver free training to individuals involved in sport and physical activity (professionals and volunteers). Designed to equip people with the skills to intervene effectively in situations of bullying, harassment and discrimination. The focus is on violence towards women and girls.
Communities Inc – provide guidance and training for individuals and organisations to build a sense of community anywhere. Their training offer includes Bystander Intervention training
Hear why local organisations support the principles of being an active bystander:
- Nottinghamshire FA: “Nottinghamshire FA believes that Bystander Training equips individuals with the skills and confidence to safely intervene when witnessing harassment, discrimination, or harmful behaviour. By empowering people to step in, rather than stand by, we can help create safer, more inclusive communities across grassroots football.
Through linking up with Active Notts through this video, we aim to encourage more volunteers, coaches, parents and carers, and club committees to take positive action and play their part in shaping a culture where everyone feels safe, respected and supported.” - Derby County Community Trust: “At Derby County Community Trust, we know that helping people to move more starts with creating environments where everyone feels safe, respected and confident to take part. Being an active bystander is a powerful way to challenge behaviours that undermine inclusion and prevent people engaging in physical activity. We’re pleased to support this animation and the positive culture change it promotes across our local communities”.
- Chesterfield FC Community Trust: “At Chesterfield FC Community Trust, we recognise that being physically active is not just about opportunity, but also about feeling welcomed, supported and safe. The role of an active bystander is crucial in creating inclusive environments where individuals feel confident to take that first step. By working together across our communities, we can help more people overcome barriers and enjoy the benefits of being active”.
We would like to hear from organisations and community groups about why they support the principles of being an Active Bystander. Please get in touch to share with us at marketing@activepartnerstrust.org.uk
- Watch the videos
- Sign up for training
- Share what you learn with others
- Share your thoughts about what this means for your work
- Police – 999/101
- Crimestoppers 0800 555 111
- Stop Hate UK – stophateuk.org/
- Tell Mama – Anti-Muslim Attacks (MAMA) | About Us | Islamophobic
- NSPCC Helpline – 0808 800 5000
- NSPCC Whistleblowing advice line (for professionals worried in the workplace – 0800 028 0285
- Childline – 0800 1111
- NWG Network – Welcome to the NWG Network
- Kindling Transformative Interventions – https://kindling-interventions.com/
- Hollie Gazzard Trust – https://holliegazzard.org/
- Derbyshire – Hate incident or crime
- Derby City – Hate crime – Derby City Council
- Nottingham City – Hate Crime
- Nottinghamshire – Hate crime