Stadium Big Sleep Outs In Lancashire Support Homeless

/in , /by

Deepdale and Ewood Park saw hundreds of people sleep rough to raise tens of thousands of pounds to support charities that support the homeless.

Both Blackburn Rovers Community Trust and Preston North End Community and Education Trust hosted hundreds of people on the same evening with participants sleeping on the side of the pitches and in the stands.

Preston’s Big Sleep Out returned for the first time since 2019 to raise funds for the city’s Foxton Centre’s Day Centre, that supports vulnerable young people and adults.

The money raised will go to frontline services at the Day Centre which offers a place after people have found themselves on the streets to have safe and warm space to be fed and receive support.

Blackburn’s event gathered donations and awareness for the Trust and Nightsafe, a local charity providing support and emergency help to homeless people in Blackburn with Darwen.

Martin Winters, Head of Operations at Blackburn Rovers Community Trust said: “This year’s Big Sleep Out, under the stars at Ewood Park, was a fantastic example of the community coming together to raise awareness and support around homelessness.

“The money raised will be split between Nightsafe and Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, all to help people from crisis to providing pathways into education and work.”

Nicola Roscoe, Operations Manager at Nightsafe, added: “The Big Sleep is just one night of experiencing homelessness and what it is like to be out on the streets, which is sadly an unfortunate everyday occurrence for some people.

“The Sleep Out raises much-needed awareness around homelessness and much-needed funds to keep services operating to support our young people who shouldn’t have to face any night on the streets.”

As a result of both events, tens of thousands of pounds have already been raised for the causes.

Tips that could help you save energy this winter

/in /by

The EFL Trust, along with Club Community Organisations across England and Wales, have teamed up with Smart Energy GB to makes sure that the communities we serve understand the benefits of smart meters. 

As part of a partnership until the end of 2025, tens of thousands of households will be informed about how a smart meter – the new generation of gas and electricity meters rolled out across Great Britain – helps you to take control of your energy use. 

We’ve put together a list of 5 simple tips that could help you and your family save energy during these colder months… 

 

  1. Cook for everyone at once

If you have a busy household, make sure you’re catering for everyone, even for those watching TV in another room. Plus, it’s more sociable. 

Cooking up treats in a microwave or air fryer uses less energy than the oven, so why not give it a shot if you’ve got one? Search online for microwave and air fryer recipes. 

 

  1. Lower your combi boiler flow temperature to 60°C

Reducing your boiler flow temperature from 80°C to 60°C isn’t about making your house cooler; it’s about lowering the temperature of the water your boiler sends to the radiators in your home. 

This makes the boiler work more efficiently, meaning you use less energy to warm your home to the same temperature. 

 

  1. Only boil the water you need

When you’re sticking the kettle on, make sure you only boil the amount of water you need, rather than filling it up to the max. 

By not over-boiling, you could save on your energy bills.  

 

  1. Turn appliances off at the wall

You probably already know that switching appliances off at the plug saves energy. According to the Energy Saving Trust it could be £55 a year by simply remembering to turn your appliances off standby mode. 

Check the instructions for any appliances you aren’t sure about. Some satellite and digital TV recorders may need to be left plugged in so they can keep track of any programmes you want to record. 

 

  1. Ask your energy supplier for a smart meter

Getting a smart meter installed is a great way to monitor the energy you are consuming. The handy in-home display shows you how much you are spending in near-real time. 

 

Take a look at our dedicated info page about smart metes by clicking here.

 

Breaking Down Barriers

/in , /by

In 2021/22, EFL Clubs and Club Community Organisations engaged with over 840,000 individual participants in community-focused sessions and events.

Almost one in five of those people live with a disability, many of which are children and young people.

On International Day of Persons With Disability (December 3rd), Here are some stories of incredible young adults and youngsters, with the support of amazing community initiatives in EFL communities, who are excelling in the face of adversity.

Thomas’ National Success

Double amputee Thomas Atkinson uses his disability to inspire others in the community to follow in his path.

Thomas talks about his experience at Carlisle United Community Sport Trust and how his time there has helped shape him to become to the person he is today and play for the England Amputee Team.

“Being a student of the Carlisle United Community Education Programme was wildly beneficial for me,” Thomas said.

“I wasn’t just getting regular top level training sessions. I was learning about health and the way my body functions, which is so important.

“I was the only student with a disability, but I felt included every step of the way. Everyone was very supportive to help me achieve my goals.”

Thomas was referred to the England setup by the Cumberland FA after being spotted playing in various football camps, including Carlisle United’s soccer schools while he was a Community Sports Trust Football Development student at the Cumbrians.

As well as now being a coach at the Club Community Organisation, he has also managed to become a regular starter in goal for England Amputee Football, recently winning a Nations League competition in Poland, bringing back the team’s first major trophy in 30 years.

“Through my experiences as a community coach I know I have inspired people in their own way,” added Thomas.

“Whether it’s seeing a disabled person go on and succeed in sport. I feel a sense of pride when I am coaching, especially when young people have smiles on their faces during my sessions. It’s an amazing feeling to achieve.”

Thomas gives his advice to anybody facing challenges within the sports industry.

“The way you are is the way you are,” he added. “I was born with a disability and I can’t change that and you cannot change your situation, so your best move is to be grateful for what you have and do your best with what you can offer.

“I was born with one leg and I also have one arm. That doesn’t mean I can just sit back and watch everyone else and it doesn’t mean I can’t play. Everyone has their challenges; you just need to find your own way to overcome yours.”

Zac’s Journey

With his positive personality, Zac has brought his passion to every session and now aims to pursue a future in coaching.

At just 18 months old, Zac was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a lifelong condition that affects movement and co-ordination.

He became a Shrewsbury Town Foundation participant and joined ShrewsAbility in 2017. It was here that he found a passion for football and was able to play alongside other participants facing familiar challenges.

Zac joined the Foundation for a week of work experience in 2022, in which he got involved with different areas of the organisation from coaching to media.

One of the employment pathways the Foundation provide is their Coaches’ Academy, a programme that teaches 14 to 15-year-olds how to develop their coaching skills through both classroom and practical based learning.

Zac said: When I first joined ShrewsAbility I didn’t think I’d be able to participate in football, but they have me the opportunities to do something I didn’t think I’d be able to do.”

Jamie Edwards, CEO at Shrewsbury Town FC Foundation added: “What you see with Zac is about us getting him ready for employment which is what we’re doing  across all our programmes is about providing that pathway into employment.”

Upon graduating from the programme, Zac wishes to join the Foundation’s College and University programme and achieve a coaching qualification.

Oscar’s Story

Young Oscar doesn’t let his disability get in the way of him staying active and having fun.

Whether its handball, dodgeball, cricket or football, Oscar – a double amputee – always has a smile on his face and loves taking part in physical activity.

Much of that enjoyment is down to the support he receives from Watford FC Community Sports & Education Trust’s Ruby Jager who provides engaging and inclusive sessions for him.

Ruby, a Community Coach, spoke about what it is like to coach Oscar: “Not only has Oscar learnt about different ways to overcome his barrier and use it as an advantage, but he has also learnt what is healthy and unhealthy for his body.

“Oscar is a pleasure to teach and always gives everything a go. He always challenges himself and is not afraid to ask for help when he needs it. His friends are so encouraging of him, and he always has a smile on his face when he’s around them.”

Ruby added: “By schools having us coaches delivering different programmes, it allows kids to learn new sports, learn different skills, learn about healthy eating and frees up teachers’ times.”

Foundation help ‘role model’ Bryson

“If I hadn’t have gone to Phil’s sessions, I wouldn’t have been walking on my own.”

Bryson’s relationship with Cambridge United Foundation’s Phil Mullen has been lifechanging for the youngster who lives with cerebral palsy.

The 11-year-old started playing frame football at the Club Community Organisation when he was 4 years old and could not do independent steps at the time.

He has progressed from using a frame, to quad sticks, tripods and monopod sticks – now taking some steps without walking aids.

Much of this progression s down to the popular football-based sessions provided by Phil which helps participants who live with a disability.

The Foundation said Bryson is a fantastic role model to new participants joining the sessions and a shining example of how football can help improve coordination, agility and motor skills.

Bryson’s mother Ann said: “It’s just so lovely to see Bryson and Phil’s relationship because he trusts him completely.”

Bryson added: “My greatest achievement is walking and doing my sills with a size three ball now.”

Impactful Community Work Celebrated at EFL Trust Conference 2023

/in , /by

EFL Club Community Organisations attended the annual EFL Trust Conference this week to celebrate and further develop the impact they have in their communities across England and Wales.

EFL Chair Rick Parry and EFL Trust Chair Liam Scully addressed the Conference along with EFL CEO Trevor Birch and newly appointed Director of Community, Debbie Cook, who will take position in February 2024 to lead the EFL Trust.

At the Conference, the EFL Trust was announced as a strategic partner of Sport England to help people across communities move more and enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle. Sport England’s Executive Director of Partnerships, Phil Smith, took to the stage setting out the scale of the challenge faced as a nation to increase activity rates among the sections of communities least likely to be active.

The EFL Trust will receive long-term National Lottery funding from Sport England and has committed to influence positive change and drive improvements across the network and beyond. This forms part of Sport England’s approach to long-term partnerships with organisations aligned to the Uniting the Movement strategy.

The conference also welcomed key commercial partners, Kellogg’s and Sky Bet, outlining opportunities to support Club communities over the coming years.

 

 

Business Development Director, Andy Snell shared a range of updates including news that the Trust is now a member of the European Football for Development Network (EFDN), an organisation dedicated to strengthening the social impact of football across Europe.

The annual event culminated in a series of workshops for Clubs and CCOs addressing key areas that impact the impressive community work across our 72 Clubs in the Community.

Liam Scully said: “The annual EFL Trust Conference is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the impactful community work across the network and an ideal occasion to bring all the Clubs and Community Organisations together to build stronger, healthier and more cohesive communities.”