The British Volleyball Federation (BVF) is passionate about having a positive social impact, and to raise awareness using the voice of our organisation, and our athletes to highlight issues of importance within the wider volleyball community, and society as a whole. We hope likewise that the volleyball family will support us in driving social change and impact.
We are working with UK Sport and their social impact team to inspire positive change. Together we have a responsibility, an opportunity, and a purpose to drive change within our organisation, within our sport, and within the wider community.
“From the growing mental health crisis to the climate emergency, decreasing social mobility to increasing inequality, the world is changing.” UK Sport
Our priority topics
Health and well-being - you will have seen across the last year various sports stars talking publicly in the media about their mental health and well-being. This includes tennis stars like Naomi Osaka, and US gymnast Simone Biles who both have struggled with their mental health; to Laura Trott who opened up about health issues related to recent pregnancies. These stories bring to light personal struggles that can happen to anyone, showing athletes as humans with struggles like anyone else. Our organisation and athletes believe that mental health and well-being is pivotal in fostering a healthy positive life.
Racial, ethical or women empowerment - There is still much inequality that occurs across the world, whether it's around Black Lives Matter, or equal pay for everyone. We will use our voice and promote those that are brave in speaking out on matters that need attention.
Environment and sustainability - the BVF is passionate about doing what we can to reduce our carbon footprint, and be more consciously aware of what we can do to reduce our waste, and leave the world in a better place. We will seek to engage with athletes like Issa Batrane, using his platform within the sporting world to promote and engage thinking on environmental and sustainable issues. We will continue to work as an organisation and with our athletes to drive this movement forward.
Inclusion - the BVF want to strive for inclusion for all.Our athletes already have links with their communities who we hope to work further to help diversity and inclusion within our sport, whether it's disability, socio-economic or LGBT+.We will work with our Para-athletes to promote greater awareness in accessibility and rightful inclusion in all areas of life. Inclusion matters.