Warm Whites Campaign Addressing Fuel Poverty Issue

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Preston North End and Preston North End Community and Education Trust [PNECET] are to deliver the Warm Whites campaign to support Preston residents affected by fuel poverty over the festive period.

Through funding from both the club and PNECET, the initiative will invite the general public to identify and nominate individuals who may be struggling this winter, particularly against the landscape of rising fuel prices in recent months.

An issue that affects households that cannot afford to keep warm at home, the club and PNECET will look to address fuel poverty across Preston by distributing necessary resources to those in need.

Warm Whites packs will contain information on the Household Support Fund from the Department for Work and Pensions, which assists residents who do not have enough resources to meet their immediate or short-term needs over the winter period.

Also included in the packs will be blankets, hats, gloves, hot chocolate, a packet of biscuits and puzzle books, while a PNECET information pack will also form part of the delivery, consisting of reading materials such as copies of the matchday programme and materials providing more details about the Trust’s provision.

The packs will be available for collection from the PNECET office at Deepdale, situated at the back of the Alan Kelly Town End, or alternatively can be delivered upon request and in this case will be distributed by members of PNECET staff.

Those who receive the packs themselves will also be invited to nominate another person they feel may benefit from the initiative as part of a referral scheme.

Chief Executive Officer of the Trust Tom Drake said: “The cold winter weather, rising fuel prices and the on-going Covid-19 pandemic are just some of the factors which have led to the issue of fuel poverty, causing real challenges for countless families at this time.

“Households affected by fuel poverty are said to be more at risk of the worst effects of Covid-19, and the links between cold temperatures and respiratory problems have been well documented by Public Health England, which we feel will only be exacerbated over the winter period.

“As the official charity of Preston North End, we see it as our continued duty to adapt to the changing needs of our community.

“We hope that by offering items such as hot water bottles, hats and gloves, we can make a small contribution – with the support of the Preston community – to addressing the issue of fuel poverty, while continuously working in partnership with Preston City Council to make a lasting change in this area going forward.”

The initiative will run from Monday 6th December until Thursday 23rd December and both donations and referrals from the general public are now being sought to support the initiative.

Donations can be made via the Trust’s Supported Giving platform by visiting https://qr2donate.com/pnecet.

If you wish to refer an individual or family to receive a Warm Whites pack, please download the referral form from the PNE website, via PNE.Com/WarmWhites, to download the digital form, and upon completion, return via email to [email protected].

Those who find difficulty completing the form digitally can call the community office on 01772 693309 or email [email protected] for further support.

FIT VILLA sparked lifelong Villian Kate into change

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Lifelong Aston Villa fan, Kate found FIT VILA the perfect opportunity to make positive long -term changes to her health and well-being.

Prior to enrolling on the programme, Kate was aware that her eating habits and physical activity had lapsed due to the national lockdown but lacked the consistent motivation to ‘get up and go’.

However, finding the FIT FANS initiative hosted at her beloved club was the initial spark for her to begin her 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.

For Kate, the programme has supported her in several ways. Not only has she lost 4.6kg but has found consistency within her lifestyle from strength training at home to monitoring her diet.

She said: “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.”

Kate has continued to use the foundations of FIT VILLA to succeed in her healthy lifestyle.

Find out more about FIT FANS

Meet Billy Whittle: The 22-year-old who with Kickstart secured employment with Wigan Athletic Community Trust

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As demonstrated by many young people across the country, the pandemic proved a difficult period for local Wiganer, Billy Whittle. Born in Wigan, the 22-year-old spent 16 months unemployed before being offered a way back into work by Wigan Athletic Community Trust through the government’s Kickstart scheme.

Billy struggled with seeking opportunities to start his career within the workplace after finding himself on an endless job search,  However, Billy’s persistence and perseverance paid off, after he found himself the dream job at his local football club, working as a Project Officer at Wigan Athletic Community Trust

The Kickstart programme is an initiative to help young people by giving them opportunities to get a foothold within the professional work environment. Nearly 1,300 young people have been provided Kickstart placements at 65 EFL clubs across the country.

Upon discovering the opportunity, Billy reflected upon his experience of initially finding the role:

“Lockdown for me was particularly difficult. Although I enjoyed the peace and quiet at times, the boredom that came as a result of a groundhog routine really affected me mentally.

“Having been unemployed for around 16 months, I applied for the role when my work coach at the job centre referred me.

“I felt I could learn key skills and develop myself to grow professionally, and I have always respected the club’s position and importance within the town I was born and raised in.”

As part of his role as Project Officer, Billy supports staff from across the organisation in planning upcoming events and ensuring operations run smoothly. Now after over four months into the role, he explains how he’s developed in the job so far:

“Since being taken on by the Community Trust I’ve gained a number of skills including organisation, leadership and time management”, he said.

“I’ve also learnt a key understanding of how a charity, especially a sports and wellbeing charity, functions and operates on a day-to-day basis.

“Every day is different and exciting, and I wake up intrigued with what each day might bring and now when I look at the badge, it’s a great feeling to think that I work for Wigan Athletic.”

“So far I couldn’t have wished for a more welcoming and friendly group of people. Starting a new job is always daunting however everyone at the Trust has made me feel like part of a team.

“I’ve made a lot of new friends who have made the four months feel like four years.”

With employment secured, Billy is now embracing his opportunity to utilise his expertise at Wigan Athletic Community Trust and now Billy has the chance to really kickstart his career.

Click here to find out more about how Kickstart is impacting young people’s lives.

Reaching Out and Reconnecting: How Blackpool FC changed Chloe’s life

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Having experienced homelessness and addiction and with her only income coming through Universal Credit Chloe really wanted to find employment. However, her trans status and involvement within the LGBT+ community had provided a negative experience in previous workplaces which left her with no confidence and lacking any self-belief.

Enrolling on the Training Ground Programme in connection with Blackpool FC Community Trust saw Chloe gain numerous basic skills from Maths and English to money management. However, another huge personal achievement saw her participate in the weekly physical activity session having never really considered exercise as something for her.

The Training Ground Programme is aimed at young people aged 18-24 who are currently unemployed and may be at risk of becoming long-term unemployed. Participants may be in receipt of, or eligible to claim Universal Credit at the start of the programme. Participants equally may not be in receipt of any government benefits. Participants must be NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) to be eligible to take part in the programme. The Training Ground Programme is funded via a development grant issued to EFL Trust from the Youth Futures Foundation. This funding will cover the delivery costs of a pilot programme in partnership with 6 EFL Trust CCOs.

As Chloe’s confidence and self-belief started to grow, Chloe shone both inside and outside of the programme.

She commented “It’s the best thing I have ever participated in, and my future looks bright for the first time.”

Chloe grew professionally which resulted in her being offered a Volunteering Co-Ordinator Kickstart role. On top of this, the programmes ability to nurture her self-worth and confidence also saw her reconnect with her family to share her success.

 

How Club Doncaster allows participants to fall in love with football: Steph’s Story

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How Club Doncaster allows participants to fall in love with football: Steph’s Story.

Steph has always had a passion for football but due to her physical disability she struggled to find a team that suited to her individual needs. This meant she had been out of the sport for several years which as Steff admits led her to lose confidence. She says. “I wasn’t the most confident person and didn’t really believe in my own ability.”

This was all until in 2016 whilst at university she came across Club Doncaster Titans which are part of the EFL Trust and Wembley National Stadium Trusts Every Player Counts Programme. The programme has over the past five years, helped get over 13 000 people with a wide range of disabilities playing football – many for the first time .

But, after just her first session she felt “happier, more active and fell in love with football again!”  As she continued her journey at the club, she was provided the opportunity to get into coaching which started as leading the warms ups before progressing into having her own Wildcats session. Steph credits Darren, the Titans coach in helping her believe in herself.

She said: “I owe a lot to Club Doncaster Titans and Darren Warner for all the opportunities and experience they have provided me with which has really helped me grown and develop as a person and as a coach.”

Consequently, her belief and development with support from Darren has seen her takeover the Under 12 session allowing her to aid participants on a similar journey to herself.

In 2021, Steph was given the chance to begin a female only session with freedom to tailor it as her own initiative. She explained: “This session has really grown into its own and is thriving enough where we now have enough female players to compete.”

One of Stephs female players, Sheridan Batunas was full of praise for her coach. She said: “Steph is an amazing coach for our ladies’ team- she is always very friendly and polite and has a very big heart. I couldn’t wish for a better coach.”

Steph now hopes to “continue Darren’s legacy and keep providing opportunities for all.”

Club Doncaster are one of 28 Football Club Community Organisations across the country that offer the programme, which is specifically developed for the needs of people in their local community, including those with both physical, mental and learning impairments.

 

 

Colin Bennett: Why International Day of People with Disabilities is Important

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Today, Friday 3rd December, is International Day of People with Disabilities (International Day of People with Disabilities (idpwd.org)).

But for people with disabilities, it’s not about one day and then move on to the next special day. It’s every day, week, month, all year. Every year.

And that’s why days like this are so important. The day should be seen as a platform to highlight the challenges and barriers to people with a disability and even more so, amplify the great work that goes on. Let’s keep the conversation relevant, front and centre and ensure our work is the norm.

I am very proud to be the Project Manager for the EFL Trust’s Every Player Counts project which has been funded by Wembley National Stadium for the last 5 years. By the end of the 5th year our network of Club Community Organisations (CCOs) will have delivered football to nearly 15,000 participants, enabling and empowering people of all ages to be active and play.

And it’s more than just play. We know that being active is good for people’s mental and physical health, their social inclusion and for them to have a community connection. We have participants who previously wouldn’t leave their house but now have started jobs, apprenticeships, college courses. We are hearing from teachers that participants are more outgoing; we are hearing from participants that the one thing they will not miss is their football; we are seeing a pride that participants can represent their club; we know the importance of the strength of the network’s community work.

Throughout today we are highlighting that work in just some of our CCOs to showcase what we do but also to celebrate the participants and their families. Disability should not be seen as a difference. Because in fact over 80% of disabled people acquired disability later in life. Fewer than 20% were born with disability.

Think about that for a moment.

Of the people with a disability fewer than 20% were born with their disability.

The work continues every day in our communities and through the EFL Trust CCOs I see first-hand these great stories. Hopefully you can support the amplification of the message and I look forward to continuing the great work each and every day.

Alfie’s performances on and off the pitch highlight the great work of MK Don’s Every Player Counts programme

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MK Don’s Inclusion programme has seen Alfie develop on and off the pitch in support of the Trust.

Alfie has learning difficulties but doesn’t allow these to stop him for achieving his dream of football. However, this was briefly halted for when he sustained a head injury whilst on holiday, a short time into his arrival at MK Dons.  Kelly Day, MK Dons Inclusion and Disability Lead explained: “he was determined to return in the shortest time possible and was back with us within 3 months of the injury.”

MK Dons are part of the Every Player Counts programme which is funded by Wembley National Stadium Trust and EFL Trust. Every Player Counts has, over the past five years, helped get over 13 000 people with a wide range of disabilities playing football – many for the first time.

Alfie has been an influential part of the MK Dons Inclusion group, delivering performances on the field as well as raising money for the Princess Trust and the MK Dons Sports and Education Trust.

His decision to cut his locks that he had “spent years growing” came as a surprise to all who knew him as he loved his hair. However, “decided that when he has grown this enough, he would have this cut to be sent to the Princess Trust to make wigs for girls who have been battling cancer.”

Alongside this, he also took It upon himself to support the MK Dons family by fundraising to assist in buying 80 football, 80 cones and 80 training bibs so the adult teams were able to deliver training that Alfie himself takes such pride in attending.

Similarly, to his ability to deliver off the pitch, Alfie has developed his physicality and maturity of the game to enable him to step up to the Championship level of competition. He has represented the Trust’s Inclusion team in the FA Cup on numerous occasions whilst assisting with the Youth Inclusion sessions and his local Kempston Under 7 team.

Alfie’s mum echoed the thoughts of many: “Alfie has an amazing sense of humour and is always willing to help when players are feeling low or need that much needed push to believe.”

Alfie will continue to provide assists in anyway he can whether with a ball at his feet or not.

MK Dons are one of 28 Football Club Community Organisations across the country that offer the programme, which is specifically developed for the needs of people in their local community, including those with both physical, mental, and learning impairments.

Cambridge United’s Every Player Counts session has opened up a new world of opportunities for Zoe.

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How Cambridge United’s Community Trust has fueled Zoe’s fire to prove doubters wrong.

Zoe lost her sight aged 21 and felt she also lost her place in the community as she had to quit her job. She had constantly had people tell her she couldn’t do certain things anymore. This was all until Cambridge United’s Disability Officer, Phil approached her whilst she was queuing in her local town.

She recalls: “My husband walked me in to my first Cambridge United Community Trust Visually Impaired session at Coleridge Community College, that was the first Sunday after I’d been approached by Phil and that is it, I’ve been back every week since!”

Cambridge United are part of the Every Player Counts programme which is funded by Wembley National Stadium Trust and EFL Trust.  Every Player Counts has, over the past five years, helped get over 13 000 people with a wide range of disabilities playing football – many for the first time .

Zoe had not previously met any other visually impaired people within her social circle. However since attending she said: “ I have a full range of friends in the community… it’s opened up opportunities to meet other visually impaired people in different parts of Cambridge with other social things that are going on.”

More so, Zoe has extra motivation in her children as she explains: “The more people say you can’t do that, the more I’m driven to prove that I can. I’m trying to push the female side of the sport and be a good role model for my kids too. I want them to know it doesn’t matter whether you have a disability or not, you can do it. It’s trying to make them proud that mum is doing something.”

Cambridge United has not only opened a whole new community and a wealth of opportunities for Zoe but she is now also part of the England Women’s Blind Football Talent Pathway.

Cambridge United are one of 28 Football Club Community Organisations across the country that offer the programme, which is specifically developed for the needs of people in their local community, including those with both physical, mental and learning impairments.

How Keira’s love for Blackpool FC has been the catalyst to her development.

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Blackpool FC super fan, Keira has developed her ability to express herself since attending the clubs Every Player Counts sessions.

Keira lives with AUTS2 syndrome but her passion and love for football and especially Blackpool FC has been the catalyst for her progress on and off the pitch.

Blackpool are part of the Every Player Counts programme which is funded by Wembley National Stadium Trust and EFL Trust.  Every Player Counts has, over the past five years, helped get over 13 000 people with a wide range of disabilities playing football – many for the first time.

Before she attended the Every Player Counts sessions Keira lacked confidence and would be reluctant to speak to others, her mum explains: “

“Keira’s communication has definitely improved. She is much more confident speaking to the other participants. Recently she has been telling the participants when she is going to watch a Blackpool FC game. When we first came to the sessions, she would never have been confident enough to do this. It’s so good to see. I think part of what has helped her express herself more is that she has made friends here who she is comfortable around.”

These thoughts are echoed by all that know Keira. Paul, Blackpool’s Community Engagement Officer said: “Out of all the participants I work with Keira is one of the most enthusiastic about Blackpool FC, she and her family are season ticket holders, and she loves seeing them play and talks about Blackpool’s results and fixtures when I see her at the Tuesday session… Her skills at football have improved greatly. We were practising a skill move the other day, the drag back turn, and Keira did it first time, something she would have found difficult when she first started.”

Keira will continue to attend the sessions and tell everyone about her beloved Blackpool FC.

Blackpool are one of 28 Football Club Community Organisations across the country that offer the programme, which is specifically developed for the needs of people in their local community, including those with both physical, mental, and learning impairments.

How Plymouth Argyle’s Every Player Counts session has given Cory the environment to succeed.

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Argyle’s Ability Counts group has allowed Cory to develop from a shy 9-year-old to a confident, social 15-year-old teenager.

At 9 Cory was diagnosed with autism, learning difficulties, OCD, and anxiety where he struggled within social situations and the ability to process and regulate the changes in his day-to-day life.

Plymouth Argyle are part of the Every Player Counts programme which is funded by Wembley National Stadium Trust and EFL Trust.  Every Player Counts has, over the past five years, helped get over 13 000 people with a wide range of disabilities playing football – many for the first time .

Since his participation in the Junior Ability Counts football team at Argyle, he has gained confidence, friends and played for the Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) team. Cory has also widened his horizons by joining a mainstream football something that would have been hard to imagine before he started with Argyle.

His development has presented itself in numerous ways as since being involved at the Trust he has raised £2,000 for the Autism Association, something he felt passionately about raising awareness for and supporting the charity.

More so, he has gone on to complete his FA Refereeing qualification and now referees in the Devon Junior and Minor League every Saturday. As well as volunteering as a coach at the LTPD sessions.

His mum comments: “This is all thanks to the coaches that have supported Cory throughout playing in the Plymouth Argyle Ability Counts team.”

Cory is hoping to be given the chance to become an Sports Coaching Apprentice within the Community Trust when he leaves school next year.

Plymouth Argyle are one of 28 Football Club Community Organisations across the country that offer the programme, which is specifically developed for the needs of people in their local community, including those with both physical, mental and learning impairments.