Burton Albion’s Impact In in the Community is Worth Millions
BURTON Albion Community Trust’s impact on the wellbeing of the people of East Staffordshire has never been more needed and an impact study has shown that when it really mattered the charity was there to help.
In any normal year, BACT’s reach into the community, its ability to help and motivate people and its position at the heart of the community is always there to be seen. But add in a pandemic that has had a serious impact on people’s physical and mental health, finances and employment prospects and that help was needed more than ever. Now, the evidence of an independent impact report has showcased all the good work BACT does. As well as supporting the NHS with the Pirelli Stadium acting as a vaccination centre, BACT has notched up more than 1,000 volunteer hours, delivered 4,147 care and activity packs, 752 emergency food parcels and even 23 weekly dog walks.That’s all in addition to BACT’s normal programmes, which reached 6,781 participants in 2019/20, including 4,603 schoolchildren. During the same period BACT’s direct economic impact was measured at £2.6m, £842,000 of which was through employment.
The numbers matter, but it’s the benefits felt by the participants that is BACT’s real reward. Whether that’s physical or mental wellbeing, individual or community development, BACT has delivered.
Head of Community Matt Hancock said: “Back in September 2019, we were excited about what we were going to achieve in the final year of our Inspiring our Communities strategy. The year started brilliantly, and you will see throughout the impact report the difference we have made largely thanks to the efforts of our fantastic staff.
“I am always proud of being involved in Burton Albion Community Trust but from March 2020 onwards I have never been prouder of our achievements. The Board of Trustees, led by John Jackson, and Chairman of the Football Club, Ben Robinson, have completely embedded Burton Albion into the community response when our communities really needed us.
“The pandemic has caused much distress, upset and pain for so many people across our communities but the way both BACT and Burton Albion FC responded from day one has made a huge difference to lives across East Staffordshire and the surrounding areas.”
BACT’S Chairman John Jackson is delighted that the impact report shows just how important the charity is to the area.
He said: “It is with great pride we are able to evidence through this report that, despite the devastating impact of Covid-19, we are making a difference in our communities. This report is external evidence that our programmes do change lives and although many programmes were adapted to respond to the rapidly changing circumstances, we have maintained a focus of high quality throughout.”
The report was compiled by EventID Sports Consulting Ltd on behalf of Burton Albion Community Trust. Read the full report here
