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A number of resources and support people are available to assist you. Some of these are listed below.
There is a lot to know if you are thinking about starting your own business. Many activity providers are self-employed and this includes contractors, sole-trader workers and small business owners. A self-employed person can usually start in business without following any formal or legal set-up tasks.
Inland Revenue runs regular free introductory business seminars and workshops in Canterbury throughout the year. You will learn about the following topics at these seminars:
- working smarter with their online services;
- business structures (such as company or sole trader);
- income tax and GST; and
- what expenses you can claim.
Visit the Inland Revenue website for specific tax information if you are self-employed.
Find out about other helpful workshops and online business tools (Ministry of Business, Innovation and Enterprise).
Evaluation is an important process to help you find out if your participants are becoming more active. You may also need to evaluate your programmes for funding purposes.
The following links may prove useful in evaluating your programme:
- How to develop effective impact and evaluation practices (National Council for Voluntary Organisations UK).
- Evaluating community projects: A practical guide (Joseph Rountree Foundation UK).
- International Physical Activity Questionnaire: Short Last 7 Days Self-Administered Format - available in other languages.
Music has an amazing impact in a health and fitness environment. Participants can feel more motivated and even work harder when they hear music they enjoy. The right music attracts members, encourages their loyalty and is one of the elements that helps define the style and ambience of your class or activity.
The creators of the music are entitled to be fairly paid for the use of their work, because of the many benefits music offers. You can get this permission quickly and easily with a OneMusic Licence.
Find out how you can use music legally and get the right OneMusic licence [PDF].
You are in the unique position of seeing and interacting with a wide range of people weekly as an Activity Provider. You get to know your participants, and you will likely notice changes in mood or behaviour, energy levels, and attendance. At times you may be concerned about the mental health of someone in your class or group - so what should do?
Professional speaker and author Michael Hempseed advises using the statement: "I've noticed you seem... [...low on energy ...not yourself ...lacking motivation... etc] lately... have you noticed this?". If the person wants to share and asks for help, he recommends advising them to talk to their GP in the first instance - with a friend or support person if needed.
The Mental Health Foundation NZ has lots of free support materials for anyone going through a difficult time, or for people who are supporting someone.
Order or download free resources that promote mental health and wellbeing - including the five ways to wellbeing (Mental Health Foundation NZ).
HealthInfo has information on many mental wellbeing related topics.
The Mental Health Education and Resource Centre (MHERC) is the leading local provider of mental wellbeing professional development and education. Upskill at one of their webinars and workshops covering a range of topics including mental illness and addiction.
- Community Health Information Centre (National Public Health Service) provides resources such as pamphlets and posters on a wide range of topics including nutrition and physical activity.
- The Medication Management Service is a free service from the Canterbury Community Pharmacy Group to help patients better understand their medication. Encourage people in your classes to visit or get to know their local pharmacy team for advice.