Stoke’s apprenticeship programme, which began back in 2005, has supported over 80 young people in Stoke realise their potential. For many of the apprentices, it has been a significant journey in their progression to work. Read more
In March last year, Lincoln City Foundation pledged to support male mental health by launching Team Talk. Team Talk supports men across Lincolnshire with peer-to-peer support sessions on a Monday evening, delivered by Andy’s Man Club, and football sessions allowing men to find their release through physical activity.
Since the launch in 2021, Lincoln City has supported 119 men with their mental health and counting.
This March, Lincoln City is preparing to launch a brand-new session in their Team Talk programme, to reach and support even more people. Partnering with Unmasked Mental Health, they will be delivering a peer-to-peer support hub every Thursday evening from 7 – 9 pm at the LNER Stadium, starting on 10th March. The Unmasked Mental Health hub welcomes both men and women aged 16+.
Unmasked Mental Health Support Groups are for anyone who is experiencing emotional distress. People are free to talk about their mental health – or not: the support group gives space to make that choice. The groups are informal and relaxed. They are ‘peer support groups (meaning people get support from each other), not therapy groups, although, for some, they may have a therapeutic benefit. All groups are led by a facilitator or co-facilitators whose role is to encourage the group to develop and flourish in a safe, non-judgmental and inclusive way.
Doug Dennison, Founder of Unmasked Mental Health says,
“Lincoln City Foundation and Unmasked Mental Health are committed to making a difference to mental health in Lincolnshire.
We are proud to be able to partner with another professional and like-minded organisation to provide the support desperately needed to women and men across our county and the people of Lincoln.”
Lincoln City Foundation remains committed to making a difference to mental health in Lincolnshire. They are proud to be able to partner with another professional organisation to provide quality care to the people of Lincoln who need it. Adding an additional hub will support men who may not be able to make the Monday session or those that want additional weekly support. They are also pleased that the Unmasked Mental Health sessions enable women to access support, making the offering fully inclusive.
Alice Carter, Head of Healthier Communities from Lincoln City Foundation said,
“Supporting individuals to improve their mental wellbeing is a key part of our mission at the Foundation and we are proud to collaborate with Unmasked Mental Health to provide a safe space for men and women to access peer support. This complements our existing Team Talk programme, and strengthens our commitment to breaking down barriers which prevent people from asking for help.”
To find out more about the Team Talk Programme click here.
Passionate about mental health support?
Sign up to support the Team Talk project with one of Lincoln City’s fundraising events. Run the Lincoln City Half Marathon or take A Walk in the Park for Male Mental Health and help Lincoln City to make a difference in Lincolnshire.
For many young individuals, gaining work opportunities and vital development experiences can be an arduous process, which has been even more prevalent within a post pandemic world. For Connor Jenkinson, this has been no exception as he too has struggled for job opportunities like many in his generation.
However, Connor’s fortunes have changed since he came across the opportunity to work as Media Assistant for Oldham Athletic Community Trust, an opportunity which Connor embraced with both hands.
For Connor, the wealth of Kickstart opportunities at Oldham came at a vital moment in his early professional career. Connor talked to us about his initial experience with Kickstart:
“I originally signed up for Kickstart as it was a great opportunity to transition into working within a role, in which I didn’t need a wealth of experience in. Similar to an apprenticeship, it was a foot in the door.”
Only new into his role, Connor has been exposed to different activities and tasks relevant to the role, such as creating and developing social media posts for the Trust, whilst also filming and editing footage for key football events associated with the Trust. Already, Connor feels like he has developed and acquired new skills. Connor mentioned:
“I have learnt new skills already in my first few weeks into this new role such as communicating with others and balancing various tasks depending on what is needed of me for the day, as well as building my confidence and customer service skills as I meet and speak to a lot of new people on a regular business outside of my comfort zone.”
“Kickstart has helped me as it has allowed me to get a head start into a new career path, I wouldn’t otherwise have many chances at starting without a degree etc, I receive a lot of guidance and support into what the new role entails and gain valuable experience.”
Callum Irving, Media and Communications Executive for Oldham Athletic Community Trust, had this to say:
“Connor’s had a great start in his role as Media assistant. His first few weeks have included filming and editing community-based sessions and a PL Primary stars football tournament. He has also started to plan social content for awareness days throughout the course of 2022.”
After settling into his role, Connor now has the experience and skills he had been searching for and is now excited to progress his own career through Oldham Athletic Community Trust.
Connor has joined 4 other individuals who have gained a Kickstart placement with Oldham Athletic Community Trust. With 5 Kickstarter’s, Oldham have also helped recruit a further 4 for the club and academy, in positions such as Analysis, Maintenance and Office Administration.
The Kickstart scheme is a programme which can help young people secure vital employment opportunities. To find out more about the Kickstart scheme and to get involved, click here.
Today, during Doncaster Rovers fixture against Plymouth Argyle, Doncaster Rovers players will celebrate the impact young people have had whilst on NCS (National Citizen Service).
Each year, EFL Clubs promote NCS and the impact it has had on young people from through a campaign called #NCSMatchday. Club Doncaster works with EFL Trust alongside a network of partners to promote and deliver the NCS programme to teenagers.
Sophia and Charlotte are amongst 400 young people who Club Doncaster Foundation have supported despite the challenging times. The pair met whilst on NCS in Summer 2021 and were given the opportunity to turn their passion of helping people, into action, through the delivery of a social action project.
Designed for 16-17-year-olds, NCS offers an inclusive summer programme that helps young people get the skills, experience and self-belief they need to achieve their potential – and smash their future goals. NCS aims to make a life-changing difference to young people and how they approach life after school.
Sophia and Charlotte, along with their group, volunteered at Bentley Urban Farm (BUF). BUF is an upcycled outdoor space used by community groups from Doncaster. They use reclaimed materials to teach people how to grow food and make art and music, as well as providing a space where people can reconnect with nature.
Sophia’s group decorated the site, adding splashes of colour to this community asset, they hosted an upcycled fashion show to stress the importance of sustainability. Despite being in the absence of volunteers over the past year due to Covid-19, the group restored the site to its former glory through weeding and other gardening tasks.
Sophia discussed with us her experiences on her social action project:
“Whilst at Bentley Urban Farm, we were given the freedom to get creative with the materials available to us. One morning, as we watched the joy on visitors faces as they saw existing artwork on display, Charlotte and I decided we wanted to create something which was not only art but something that was usable as well. With this in mind, we set to work painting an old and tired bench”.
Sophia and Charlotte made a substantial impact, as they incorporated their imaginative minds within the real world through art. Over the next couple of days, Sophia and Charlotte transformed the once tired, rugged-down bench, into a now beautiful landscape.
Not only had Charlotte and Sophia created a wonderful piece of artwork, but they had also achieved their aim in making usable art, which is guaranteed to make people smile for years to come. So much so, that the bench was then relocated to Doncaster Town Centre as part of the ArtBomb exhibition!
When asked about NCS, Sophia stated:
“I signed up to NCS mainly to build confidence, learn new skills and meet new people and throughout the programme I have definitely achieved all of the above and much more! Being able to give back to my local community was also really great”.
“We were thrilled when our bench was displayed as part of the ArtBomb Exhibition and knowing we made people smile with what we created is fantastic. NCS is brilliant regardless of the direction you want to go in, I learnt so many skills and I will benefit from this for years to come”.
Young people from Doncaster and Selby have navigated through Covid-19 lockdowns and restrictions to build skills, confidence and most importantly, give back to their local communities through social action and community partnerships whilst on NCS. In total, young people dedicated over 11,000 hours to social action projects such as social isolation, the environment and helping the disadvantaged.
To find out more about NCS, click here.
After graduating from the University of South Wales degree programme with Milton Keynes Sports and Education Trust, Ethan was offered a paid role as a Sports Development Coach.
Ethan has always been involved in football, starting his playing career at age 5 and his journey has taken him all across the football pyramid but made the decision his focus would be homed in on his coaching career. Therefore, he committed much of his time to gain exposure in the coaching community across community-based programmes, elite development centres and the women’s game.
After completing a Level 3 BTEC in Sport where he gained a triple Distinction* grade, Ethan undertook the Foundation Degree in Football Coaching and Development in the Community. He then added to his qualifications by completing an optional third year in BSc (Hons) Community Football Coaching and Administration.
Prior to the course, Ethan’s love and passion for the game were evident as he had already tried to get involved in coaching in any way he possibly could from shadowing other coaches sessions to reading around the industry and his interests. Consequently, he stood himself in great stead when he came to partaking in and completing his degree.
Ethan said: “I thoroughly enjoyed studying on the course as it provided me with all the relevant knowledge of the industry, which eventually led to opportunities of employment. I feel that from both the delivery and academic perspective, the course offered more than sufficient support.”
With a wealth of volunteering experience in both supporting and leading in the delivery of sessions, Ethan was offered a paid role within the Trust as a Sports Development Coach. Jack Sharpe, Head of Football and Performance comments: “Ethan has become an integral member of the Football Development Team, taking on board responsibility for a number of projects across community & elite football. His education background has enabled him to have an understanding, awareness & empathy for the world of sport, usually demonstrated by individuals more senior with a greater wealth of experience.”
Ethan is a key example of how hard work, passion and dedication can help you in achieving your goals within the game.
The degree course is one of several degrees offered at EFL Club’s across the country in partnership with the University of South Wales. The degree provides the skills and qualities that are required to work within professional football clubs community departments or other national sports governing bodies in areas of growth such as social inclusion, community coaching and football development. Students are uniquely based within their own local football Clubs where they gain valuable first-hand experience of working in a community sports environment with a minimum of five days per year at the USW Sport Park, a £3.7m state-of-the-art coaching and performance development centre.
For more information click here.
https://www.efltrust.com/degrees-in-football-and-sport-coaching/
Prior to enrolling on the course, Owen’s life was football-focused having attended Denbigh Football Academy, but he picked up a serious knee injury that would eventually require a knee replacement. Although a hard thought to process, Owen channelled his frustration into considering other career paths in the sport which is where he found his desire to work as a coach.
Owen was always very aware of the focus that was required in both work and study but felt his immaturity often got the better of him and led him to regularly lose his way or give up on tasks. However, he made the decision to go and find voluntary work at MK Dons SET for eight months prior to him starting his foundation degree; a decision that has paid dividends to his personal and professional development.
He started the programme with impressive subject knowledge but his attitude let him down in terms of his initial success but as the course progressed, as did Owen as he started to show great leadership qualities and resourcefulness in his study.
His continuous development was lauded by Kelly Day, MK Dons SET Community and Inclusion Officer, she said: “Owen has been coaching with us since October, initially he began with just the Pan-Disability and Mental Health players but has now moved into coaching the youth teams as well and is going to take on an Under 16s team for league competition as well. He has built a good relationship with all the players and the other coaches in a really short period of time which has aided his delivery and is a testament to his likeable character. He struggled slightly to adapt to sessions in the beginning, due to the array of disabilities and needs within the cohorts, but he has been confident enough to ask for help with this to the point where he is now leading and delivering good sessions and is able to adapt these where needed.”
Owen highlights his work as something he’s “always dreamt about” and shows real admiration and thanks to those involved at the programme. He explained: “I feel like that I’ve changed a lot especially with doing my work at home and not leaving deadlines to the last day. In early September (when still a volunteer coach) I got asked if I could cover an inclusion football session. I decided that as I had nothing on a Thursday during the day, I would volunteer. It went really well, and I got asked if I wanted to carry on with it and if I wanted to pick up extra hours with inclusion at the weekend. I agreed to this and then it started to be every Thursday and Sunday. At the end of the month, Kelly (Inclusion football officer) asked if I needed a timesheet to be signed. I told her I’m not a causal coach and only a volunteer. After that, she offered me a role in casual coaching which I am still grateful for today I also got more hours within inclusion, and I am now doing schools as well. This has been a big achievement for me but only the start of something new.”
From a boy who struggled, to a man who is continuously pushing his own development; Owen is an example of how the course allows individuals to succeed both on and off the pitch.
The degree course is one of several degrees offered at EFL Club’s across the country in partnership with the University of South Wales. The degree provides the skills and qualities that are required to work within professional football clubs community departments or other national sports governing bodies in areas of growth such as social inclusion, community coaching and football development. Students are uniquely based within their own local football Clubs where they gain valuable first-hand experience of working in a community sports environment with a minimum of five days per year at the USW Sport Park, a £3.7m state-of-the-art coaching and performance development centre.
For more information on the degree click here.
Christmas is mostly a period of celebrations and joy for most, however it can provide extenuating difficulties for some families. Recognising this, a group of Changemakers, aged, 16-18, from Reds in the Community (Barnsley FC) set out to suppoort families ahead of the festive period. Read more
Two Tenants have moved into Foxton Centre’s Housing First property in Ashton-on-Ribble.
Preston North End hosted a Big Sleep Out in 2019 that fundraised a staggering £90,000 for the charity to proceed in renovating the house to become inhabitable.
The Foxton Centre launched the Housing First scheme to provide quality accommodation for the use of rough sleepers a number of years ago and it was ultimately funded by the Big PNE Sleep Out fundraising event at Deepdale two years ago.
The event, on Friday 15th November 2019, saw 300 people bed down for the night on the Deepdale concourse, under harsh wintery conditions, to show solidarity with the city’s homeless. Their support comfortably surpassing the initial £50,000 target.
The Big PNE Sleep Out was delivered by Preston North End Community and Education Trust in partnership with The Foxton Centre, Blog Preston and Biffa.
A property in Ashton-on-Ribble was purchased in October 2020 and renovations have been on-going for the last 14 months to convert it into two one-bedroom flats.
While work was affected and delayed in some cases by the changing landscape of the world in relation to the Coronavirus pandemic, all renovations have now been completed, allowing two tenants to move into each of the newly finished one-bedroom flats.
Chief Executive of The Foxton Centre Jeff Marsh said: “It doesn’t seem like two years since we all spent the night at Deepdale for the Sleep Out; what an amazing night it was. We smashed our fundraising target, almost doubling it.
“Since then, and despite the Covid pandemic, a house has been bought and totally renovated, and this week two tenants moved in. They are really excited, as is our team, and everyone involved can be rightly proud.
“The guys moving into the house have a fantastic opportunity. We get such amazing support from the community here in Preston and it’s great to be able to show everyone what has been achieved. Let’s hope for a better future for next year for everyone.”
Project Manager of the renovations, Ron Ashley, added: “Having spent a few months viewing several properties, the property with the right configuration and price was found in Ashton, with purchase completed in October 2020.
“Over the following months we had the plans drawn up and submitted to the local planning department, passing all the building regulation requirements to allow us to convert a normal three-bedroom terrace into two one-bedroom flats.
“This process has involved a variety of trades during the property transition. With the skill of all these people involved, we have now completed our journey to provide quality accommodation for two people, who have now been given the opportunity of moving into their own flats for Christmas 2021.
“From a personal point of view, it has been a privilege to have been involved with this project, having been associated with The Foxton Centre for over forty years. I would also like to say a big thank you to all the trades who have worked with me to complete this project, they have all given in their own way and it has been a pleasure.”
PNECET Chief Executive Tom Drake said: “We’re delighted that the Foxton Centre has been able to move two tenants into the house purchased as a result of the Big PNE Sleep Out.
“The house leaves a lasting legacy of the efforts of so many from the Sleep Out in 2019 and it’s fantastic to know that there are now service users of the Foxton Centre benefitting from the scheme.”
The renovation process has involved a number of generous local businesses, individuals and suppliers who donated their time and expertise in the transformation of the property, all of whom are listed below.
Kitchens were provided by Howdens (Leyland Branch), white appliances from Appliance Technology, flooring from Clean Cut Carpets and sound testing from Redfan Solution.
A signed and framed Louis Moult PNE shirt is also hung on the wall on entrance to the property, with the former North End striker having made an appearance on the night of the Sleep Out in 2019 and visited the Foxton Centre on several occasions during his time at Deepdale.
As we transition into the New Year, you may have set the stereotypical get fitter resolution but lack the knowledge and tools to make a sustainable change. You might be looking at purchasing a gym membership or that magic latest diet fad but before you do be sure to check out your local football club and their FIT FANS initiative; it’s FREE, inclusive and fun!
The programme enables people to learn and put into practice small, consistent changes to improve their health.
Funded by Sport England through the National Lottery and run at around 40 EFL Clubs across the country. It is a free health programme for men and women aged 35-65 who are looking to lose weight, get fitter and lead a more active life.
Average weight loss statistics for the FIT FANS programme are impressive and exceed those of many other programmes. On average women lose well over 3kg and men over 5.5kg by the end of the 12 weeks. We also have evidence that lifestyle change and weight loss is sustained over the following 12 months. More than 90% of men and 85% of women lose weight during the programme with many losing a clinically significant amount. Our data shows FIT FANS helps people to increase physical activity, reduce sedentary time, leading to weight loss, a significant reduction in blood pressure and improvement in self-reported mental wellbeing measures.
However, the benefits extend much further than just weight loss, with many participants commenting on the positive effects it has had on their mental health and social activity.
Nic attended FIT FANS with Northampton Town Community Trust credits the programme for indirectly helping those close to the participants too. He said, “It has not only changed my life but changed my kids lives too.”
The programme brings a diverse group of individuals together to form an environment that mirrors that of a family. A FIT ROVERS participant echoes: “Taking part in FIT ROVERS was the best thing I’ve ever done. The sessions and workouts are brilliant, but the camaraderie and banter is even better. I lost over a stone and a half but even more importantly, I feel like I’ve learned to enjoy myself again and that people like me, which has made me like myself again.”
Lifelong Villa fan, Kate attended her beloved clubs FIT FANS programme which gave her the motivation to change even after the end of the 12-week programme:
“The 12 week programme was fun, informative, and motivating. The classes have set us both on our way to a whole new healthier and fitter lifestyle. Michelle, Dru and Josh supported us all the way and delivered the health and fitness messages in a way that made us feel like we could succeed.
This motivation has stayed with us even though the course has ended. We have since signed up to more fitness classes, are watching what we eat and are losing more weight.”
In 2020, the programme won the Leaders in Sports Community Award which showcases the most innovative organisations and people driving the sports industry forward.
1000’s of people have made massive improvements to their health and lifestyle and there’s no reason that can’t be YOU. So before you spend a fortune on gym membership or weight loss plans, try your local football club, it’s FREE, proven to work and you might find having fun and making new friends too.
Bristol City Robins Foundation has helped Robins fan Sam improve his health and wellbeing in time for the Christmas festivities.
After contracting Coronavirus twice, Sam’s fitness had been on the decline and he would struggle to climb a set of stairs without coming over breathless.
Sam explained: “I was sick of how I was feeling and was ready to make a change. After reading about the FIT ROBINS program, it seemed to offer a good balance of education and fitness. Unlike other diet programs I have tried in the past, this felt like it would provide me with the tools to make permanent changes rather than temporary ones.”
FIT FANS offers both an educational and physical outlook on a more healthy lifestyle. This balance has enabled Sam to continuously make small changes to his lifestyle that has amounted to huge results. He now plans in advance to ensure he eats healthier and make better choices with food, finding time to exercise even if that is just a case of parking further away to get in those extra steps.
With the exercise that Sam has been completing, he has seen vast improvements in his physical fitness whilst losing weight along his journey.
Average weight loss statistics for the FIT FANS programme are impressive and exceed those of many other programmes. On average women lose well over 3kg and men over 5.5kg by the end of the 12 weeks. We also have evidence that lifestyle change and weight loss is sustained over the following 12 months. More than 90% of men and 85% of women lose weight during the programme with many losing a clinically significant amount. Our data shows FIT FANS helps people to increase physical activity, reduce sedentary time, leading to weight loss, a significant reduction in blood pressure and improvement in self-reported mental wellbeing measures.
He said: “The program also enabled me to make changes that meant I did not need to follow any strict diets or restrict what I could have. Not at any point have I felt deprived on my journey, and I feel confident these changes are something that is sustainable and becomes a part of my everyday life.”
The variation of each session has seen Sam partake in a range of exercise that keeps him engaged from playing football, circuits or even just a walk around the local area. However, a secondary benefit for Sam was the camaraderie that FIT ROBINS provided in getting to know the other participants and supporting each other on their own journeys.
Sam praised the coaches at the Foundation, he said: “The coaches offered support throughout the program and although encouraged they never put any pressure on anyone. It was reassuring to know that I could go at my own pace, and they would be there to offer help and advice if required.”
FIT ROBINS Lead Coach Lee Gillett commented on how FIT FANS can be the foundation for change that reaches all generations of families, he said: “It’s really tough for families at this time of year, if we can make a small difference and keep our children active and well feed with freshly cooked, healthy meals we can make a real difference to those young people.”
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