How the Shrimps Found a Different way to Spread Some Festive Cheer

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Throughout the past year Morecambe FC have adapted their projects to adapt to the global pandemic. This included their Christmas fundraising efforts for Royal Lancaster Infirmary’s Children’s Ward.

Every year the Shrimps would normally visit the children on the ward with the Morecambe FC players and hand out presents, tickets for games and to spread a little festive cheer. However, due to Covid-19 restrictions, it was not possible for these visits to take place in person last year.

Head of Morecambe FC Community Sports, Janet Preston takes up the story,

“We asked the hospital how we can still make a difference for our children and families and that would be in hospital at this very difficult time. The Children’s Ward said it would be very beneficial to get some iPads in order to connect to families outside and to entertain children throughout the year.

“We came up with a virtual JOGLE challenge. A team of staff at the football club took part in walking, running and cycling the total distance from John O’ Groats’ at the top of Scotland to Land’s End at the bottom of England. A Strava group was created for the members of staff at the club that took part as an easily way to track what distance was covered.

“Throughout our virtual JOGLE challenge we had great coverage across social media platforms to help spread the word. The fundraiser went onto the main football club’s website to so supporters could donate and help us to reach the target. Players from the first team that helped share the fundraiser and offer their support in anyway. It was certainly a positive note to end last year on, we will continue to support our local hospital as a community club where needed.”

“Thanks to kind generosity of everyone that supported the virtual JOGLE challenge and the brave   volunteers that battled the wintery conditions we quickly raised enough for  Royal Lancaster Infirmary’s Children’s Ward to enabled 2 new iPads to be donated to the ward and for children to use.”

Lincoln City Launch New Programme to Help Under 25’s Find Work

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Lincoln City Foundation, like most charities has had a difficult year. Changing and adapting to the ever-changing landscape. With some projects on hold, the Foundation focused on helping their community through the pandemic, forming a COVID-Response team which assisted the vulnerable members of their community area with things like shopping, medication and support. And as we continue to recover from the Pandemic Lincoln City Foundation is continuing to adapt to their communities need. Unemployment in the under 25’s was identified a major emerging issue in their area. Therefore the Imps have created a new free 12-week traineeship programme which focuses on giving under 25’s the experience and skills they need to get back into work.

One young man who is benefiting from the programme is Jake, here is his story.

As a young child Jake always struggled to socialise, he says,

“Struggling with my confidence and concentration, I was bullied a lot throughout school. My later diagnosis of ADHD, Autism and Learning Difficulties came as a relief.”

However lockdown brought a fresh set of challenges for Jake, he continues,

“I found lockdown really difficult, as I struggled to keep up with my studies at college and was unable to go out anywhere. My relationships I had formed struggled in a virtual environment, and some never recovered. I went through a bad time and struggled with my mental health, feeling like I didn’t want to be here anymore because the lad I was 6 months before was happy had everything he wanted, but it felt like another barrier that I have to try and get passed and started to give up.”

Then Jake joined me to Lincoln City foundation local NCS programme.

“I didn’t want to do it, but my mum pushed me to go. I had a good time socializing with others again and doing activity’s which was a big boost of motivation and boosted my confidence up. After this had finished I felt motivated to do more, so I asked the Foundation about volunteering with them.”

“I stared working with the foundation about a year ago, working with their community team to deliver projects in my local area, supporting things like litter picks, COVID support and green spaces. I had never looked back and gone from strength to strength. I have now joined their Traineeship programme, developing new skills to help support me into further education and work.

After the year I had been through, meeting new people at the foundation, having the opportunity to work in new sectors and having the opportunity to improve myself, I feel great. I am really enjoying forming that bond working with others, whilst getting new qualifications.”

 

Blackpool FC and the Community Trust pride ourselves in saying we are the town’s club and that we have been here through the most difficult of years to support our community.

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Ashley Hackett Chief Executive Officer of Blackpool FC Community Trust, reflects on an unprecedented year.

“As we see a very exciting end to the season we have taken the time to reflect on the impact we have had on our community this past year.

As a collective, Blackpool FC and Blackpool FC Community Trust pride ourselves in saying we are the town’s club and that we have been here through the most difficult of years to support our community.

We delivered an amazing Christmas campaign in December, to make sure no young person in Blackpool was without a gift on Christmas morning. Whilst the money raised was absolutely unbelievable, the most incredible part was developing a campaign that genuinely brought the club, players, Community Trust, fans and local people together, with one goal. It was truly heart-warming and still raises goosebumps when thought about.

The difficulty this year has been in finding ways to continue to deliver our community provision through the lockdowns. We have managed to support through face to face delivery in local schools, phone calls and door step visits with our most isolated residents, by delivering food parcels to those most in need and by developing a host of virtual and digital platforms to stay in contact with as many of our participants as possible.

We have continued to deliver many of our most impactful programmes, like Fit2Go, Unstoppable and our Blackpool FC Sports College courses, whilst introducing some very exciting new programmes targeted at different audiences.

One of these is our new High School Hubs programme, which places members of our team in every secondary school in Blackpool, for at least two days every week, to support with pupils resilience and mental health. Another is our Pool Together programme, providing the most socially isolated individuals in our community with support that they may have never been able to access in the past.

We launched our ADDER project to provide adults suffering from drug and alcohol addictions with a more positive path and to use sport, physical activity and volunteering to help change their mindset.

We have also been very proud to take on coordination of the local HAF project for the whole of Blackpool, which provides local children, that are on free school meals, with a hot meal and fun activities to take part in during school holidays.

All of the above are a very small number of examples of the great work the team deliver and despite living and working through Covid-19 restrictions and national and local lockdowns we were still able to support more than 18,000 individual local people in the town, deliver more than 8000 sessions through the year and have over 500,000 engagements across our programmes.

The year also saw us able to form some fantastic links with our inspiring Head Coach, Neil Critchley and his first team squad, who have been amazing in linking into our programmes and supporting local people. This has included attending many of our sessions, presenting to our Sports College students and making phone calls to local people. This resulted in awarding our club captain Chris Maxwell with the PFA Community Player of the Year. Chris has taken a leading role in getting the lads involved and has engaged more than anyone else, attending our Team Talk Mental Health sessions whenever possible.

This has truly been a season like no other, with challenges no one has ever seen before, but with the support of the club, fans and our local community we are very proud to be able to continue to support so many people.”

“I was able to become more confident in myself and realised that there are lots of other young carers like me.

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15-year-old Eshaal Khan, who cares for her sister who has complex special needs, is one of 314 young people supported by Brentford FC Community Trust Young Carers project.

 

The project provides young carers with respite activity, the opportunity to meet other carers; attend homework workshops, youth clubs and provides support to find employment. 

 

Eshaal comments,

“Life was quite difficult and overwhelming for me.I did not have a chance to stop and relax as I was constantly on my feet. I couldn’t make friends as I felt they wouldn’t understand my situation. I thought I was on my own and not able to have a break.” 

Since joining the project, Eshaal has been a regular, attending youth clubs and workshops: she says

“I was able to become more confident in myself and realised that there are lots of other young carers like me. I relaxed and enjoyed myself in the workshops and youth groups. It made me forget my responsibilities, even just for an hour or so. It was respite for me to unwind and have some time to myself.” 

 Eshaal made new friends but also accessed a support mechanism that has proven invaluable to her, saying

“My life has definitely been enhanced since joining the project. I was able to have a break from my responsibilities and relax…meet others like me and develop friendships. My confidence improved and I was able to have fun with other people. The busy parts of my life were placed on hold while I had a chance to stop, relax and ground myself. I realised how many different things I enjoy doing and helped me discover so many new things about myself.” 

Covid 19 proved particularly challenging as outside engagement was very difficult owing to the vulnerabilities they or their families may face to infection. The restrictions and the need to shield made things particularly hard for Eshaal. However, the Trust kept in regular contact online and at Christmas she was the beneficiary of a Christmas hamper, in recognition of her dedication caring for her sister and family, with the story receiving media coverage from the BBC.  

 

Eshaal is just one many young people that have benefited with engagement through online platforms hosting quizzes, drop-ins and contacting each young carer, to check in on their welfare and offer support during a difficult period. When restrictions eased, Brentford offered group park sessions, plus mental health and well-being workshops designed to deal with anxiety, install confidence and improve resilience. 

 

Project Manager Kathryn Sobczak, a former carer herself, said: 

“The families we help find it unusual that we come from a charity connected with a football club. They always ask about that…. we explain that Brentford do a lot more than football, providing a range of social and welfare services. The football connection helps, a lot of families know the club and the young people are keen to engage with it.” 

Simon ‘Signs up for Success’ with the Swans

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After leaving the Armed Forces Simon Martin faced significant barriers to finding employment which were made worse by the ongoing pandemic. However thanks to Swansea City Community Trust’s ‘Sign Up to Success’ employability programme he has a new career in the construction industry.

Simon enrolled onto the Swans employability program during the Autumn of 2020 as the Covid 19 pandemic eased slightly, The community Trust’s employability Tutor and Health and Wellbeing officer worked alongside Simon to initially identify goals and develop an action plan to achieve them within the project. Supported by the Trust’s team, Simon worked through the action plan, overcame personal barriers, increased his confidence and his aspiration levels. Through the course Simon also developed skills and knowledge for the construction industry whilst also successfully completing construction qualifications, obtaining a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card.

Supported by the Trust’s team, Simon developed and worked through an action plan, overcame personal barriers, increased his confidence and his aspiration levels.  Through the course Simon also developed skills and knowledge for the construction industry whilst also successfully completing construction qualifications, obtaining a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card.

The programme provided Simon with the skills & knowledge to be successful at interview and secure employment with Tai Tarian housing association.

Joseph Kenington Team Leader the Tai Tarian team said “He’s helping spread his knowledge to other members of the team. There’s been a big change, where instead of doing everything himself, he’s helping the other guys to learn and adapt as well. His confidence has certainly grown as well.

The programme has given Simon the opportunity to develop his career whilst providing a platform to share is knowledge and skills that he has built throughout his career.

Simon said “The Trust supported us with a CSCS card and have been in contact throughout. It’s benefitted me having my CSCS card and getting involved with Tai Tarian. Hopefully, it’s a good step in the long run towards full-time employment – whether it’s through engaging with Tai Tarian or other contractors further down the line. Hopefully, the future is bright.” Simon Martin.

The Trust continued to work with Tai Tarian as part of ‘in work support’ and all participants, in particular Simon, are progressing well within their roles.

Kris Jordan, Swansea City Community Trust’s Director of Business Development. said “Given the significant economic challenges the pandemic has presented to individuals, businesses and communities, we were very pleased to support Simon on his journey back to employment.  Through raising confidence, aspirations coupled with providing real-life essential work-based qualifications we hope our programme provided Simon with the necessary tools to succeed in the construction industry”

FITS FANS Lose 12,931KG in 12 Months

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The EFL Trust’s FIT FANS programme has helped over 1,700 fans to live a healthier lifestyle and lose over 12,931kg – an average of 7.2kg per person.

Funded by £2.25m from the National Lottery, the FIT FANS programme was launched in January 2020 supporting people across England in localities with the high rates of adult obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Despite the challenges of COVID-19, 1,796 people have taken part in FIT FANS so far – 1,196 males and 600 females. The average weight loss of a participants at the end of the 13 week programme is an impressive 6.2kg. Furthermore due to the sustainable lifestyle habits that emerge, after 12 months the average weight loss is 7.2kg. The 12 month average waistline measurement loss is an equally impressive 12.1cm, with a reduction in BMI of 2.3. Therefore not only have participants sustained their initial weight loss they are leading a more healthy, balanced lifestyle in the long term.

In addition to the benefits above, a significant reduction in blood pressure and sedentary time has been recorded and an increase in activity and wellbeing measures has been noted.

A new group of fans nationwide start their journey this week at 28 English clubs. The FIT FANS programme will help them to achieve long term sustainable changes by:

  • Improve their eating habits
  • Helping them achieve at least 45 minutes of moderate intensity activity most days
  • Regular self-monitoring of weight and pedometer step counts

FIT FANS was originally developed in Scotland by Glasgow University and SPFL Trust as Football Fans in Training. The programme attracts adults aged 35-65 who are overweight and is delivered by coaching staff at their local football club charity. It is known locally as FIT BORO, FIT PILGRIMS, FIT RAMS and FIT OWLS to appeal to fans using the club nickname. It uses tried-and-tested behaviour change techniques, peer support and creates long term social bonds.

To find out more click here

Thérèse Coffey, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions meets Walsall Kickstart signings

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Yesterday, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Thérèse Coffey met young people kicking off their careers at Walsall Football Club, thanks to the Government’s flagship Kickstart scheme.

As one of 65 EFL Football Clubs providing Kickstart opportunities, Walsall Football Club,have  given seven young jobseekers their first taste of employment, providing valuable on-the-job experience in roles such as Assistant Sports Coach and Marketing and Media. The Club will have places available for 13 more young people by the end of the year.

As part of the Government’s Plan for Jobs, the scheme already has over 20,000 young people in its starting line-up, in posts across the country from engineering to digital business. These new, subsidised jobs will boost the career chances of young people at risk of long-term unemployment – helping them get a vital first foot on the jobs ladder, and gain skills for the future.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Thérèse Coffey, said:

“With more than 400 young people starting a Kickstart job every day over the last four weeks, more vacancies like the ones here at Walsall Football Club are becoming available all the time. Kickstart is playing a vital role in helping scoring better opportunities for the next generation of workers.

“Credit to Walsall Football Club and the EFL Trust for stepping up and giving young people an opportunity to kick off their careers and reach their goals. I encourage more employers to join Kickstart and become part of this national team effort to build back better.”

Photo by Paul Greenwood/BPI/Shutterstock 

At Banks Stadium, Thérèse Coffey met Jenson Jones, 20 years old, now working as a community coach for the club. Kickstart has given him the opportunity to get real-life coaching experience.

Jenson said:

 “I’m really enjoying my new role and working alongside enthusiastic coaches that have a genuine love for the game. Trying to secure a job during the pandemic was extremely challenging but Kickstart has given me a chance. I’m thrilled to have this opportunity while developing new skills and gaining valuable experience with the club.”

The EFL Trust is acting as a gateway organisation, bringing together a network of over 65 Clubs, community organisations and other partners to deliver more than 1,300 jobs for young people around the country.

Mike Evans, CEO of the EFL Trust said:

“This impact of COVID-19 on our young people is clearly very significant and we are delighted to be able to offer opportunities to over 1,000 young people in our communities through the Kickstart programme. A key part of our strategy at the EFL Trust is to raise aspirations and realise the potential within our communities and a scheme like Kickstart enables us to have a significant impact on the young people who need our support most right now.”

The Joy of Moving Programme: One year on supporting our communities during the pandemic

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To mark the one year anniversary of the Joy of Moving Programme’s first ever digital Festivals, – which reached over 350,000 children and engaged with thousands of schools across England and Wales,  we take a look back at how the programme was adapted over the past year in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Read more

Kickstart Scheme Helps Maddi Get Her Foot In The Door At Childhood Club
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Like thousands of young people, 21 year-old Maddi Sweetman found it extremely hard to find employment during difficulties imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

She had dreams of working within the football industry, but struggled in the current job market as many were out of work following national lockdown. She believed the principle of “it’s who you know, not what you know” put her at a disadvantage. Her lack of success on the employment front was not due to Maddi’s lack of experience or abilities; she had achieved 8 GCSE’s A*-B, a host of voluntary experience as a coach & relevant qualifications in scouting, talent identification & mental health welfare. 

“I like to believe I have taken every opportunity to expand my CV and mind, so to not even get a response from some places was really hard on my mental health.”  Maddi explained. “My mental health has always been a struggle, from a young age I experienced trauma & issues that have shadowed me throughout my life. Finding a job is so much harder when you’re constantly battling with your mind & believing you’re not good enough.”

Despite going eight months without work during the pandemic, Maddi’s persistence paid off when a Kickstart position became available at her beloved AFC Wimbledon as an Assistant Community Coach. 

“To be able to have an opportunity – not only at the club I love – but just to get my foot in the door for a career in football is so fantastic. I’m so excited to get involved around the community. Helping is my passion, and to know everything I am doing is for a good cause and also representing my club – I just couldn’t have asked for anything better.” 

She was also full of praise for the assistance she received during her engagement with the Kickstart Scheme:

“I have been helped so much by Kickstart & I think it is so important to let others know about this opportunity.” 

Thrilled with the opportunity to represent The Dons, she added just how much she has missed Plough Lane:

“I am a dedicated home & away fan for Wimbledon, starting from childhood. I adore the club & have hated not being able to get to the games!”

Adrian Bradley: Tackling COVID-19 related Loneliness

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2020 and 2021 have obviously been particularly challenging years. The EFL Trust and our network of 72 club community organisations have adapted existing programmes and launched new support services to respond directly to the pandemic.

With the support of funding from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, we’ve been able to reach and support 35,000 older people at risk of chronic loneliness.

People in the clinically vulnerable groups who were ‘shielding’ particularly needed our support. They were likely to become isolated and to suffer the effects of deteriorating mental wellbeing. Anxiety, stress, fear, frustration, and boredom have all been accentuated by COVID-19 related restrictions of movement, loss of social connections and activities, fear of contagion, and concern about restricted access to basic supplies and services.

Many club charities developed a telephone support offer during the initial lockdown period.  Many then experimented with remote delivery, often online but also group telephone calls and deliveries of resources to people’s homes to enable them to participate in activities from home like arts and crafts packs, exercise equipment and plants and seeds to grow. This actually meant they were able to engage with people who may previously have struggled to access face-to-face support.

We know from our data that we have made a difference. People overwhelmingly reported feeling less anxious, less lonely and felt happier about life as a result of the phone calls, socially distanced visits or postal support they received.

A football club charity is not always the organisation people think of to ask for help. However, the last twelve months prove that the magnetism of football works successfully in this context and we have been particularly successful with reaching older men.

Access to IT and the confidence or know-how to use it were a barrier for some people, but have not stopped us. Several of our club charities have loaned IT equipment and provided IT clinics or support over the phone. Retaining digital provision into the future will help to ensure there is a service for those who are anxious, nervous or not able to return to face-to-face activities.

Our next challenge is to emerge from the pandemic by helping clients to move from dependency on individual phone calls and visits to taking part in group sessions once they feel comfortable (whether they be online or face to face).

Our Extra Time Hubs are a key part of our ambition, an expanding national movement in which we bring people together in their retirement years to socialise, do things they enjoy and feel better connected. The effects of being physically and socially active can be profound.

We warmly welcome last week’s publication of Emerging Together: the Tackling Loneliness Network Action Plan. We have been delighted to be part of the government’s plan to tackle loneliness during COVID-19, working together with over 80 organisations from across sectors.

The plan, published on 8th May, sets out the actions that members of the Network and government are taking forward to support a connected recovery from Covid-19. Key actions include:

  • Bringing together funders interested in social connection to share learning and look for opportunities to align and join up funding.
  • Creating volunteering opportunities that build connection, particularly for people experiencing loneliness.
  • Exploring a range of opportunities to tackle digital exclusion.

We have big plans for the role we can play in the lives of older people and we intend to take the lessons we have learned during the pandemic to create a brighter future beyond it.

 

Adrian Bradley

Head of Health and Wellbeing