Armed Forces Covent with Exeter City Community Trust reignites the camaraderie between two friends.

Jack and William served in Devons Army Regiment during the early 1950’s where they completed their two years of national service. The pair who shared everything during this period of time were friends until they lost contact after their service.

However, unbeknown to one another they would be reunited at the Armed Covenant Project with Exeter City Community Trust.

The project ensures that those who have served in the Armed Forces are above all treated fairly. It allows the community to be embraced through providing them with a platform to reconnect, share experiences and offer support to each other.

The first encounter between Jack and William was fuelled by emotion, disbelief, and joy. None of them were aware that the other had also signed up to be a part of the project.

It could be described as time standing still as they first catch a glimpse of each other after five decades had passed. But, as they shared memories of their time in the Devon’s Army Regiment, time came flooding back like they’d never lost touch.

With its ability to provide support, opportunities, connections and reconnections, Jack and William are just one example of how powerful the project is for those who have served.

 

 

*For anonymity the names in this story have been changed.

EFL and EFL Trust sign Armed Forces Covenant

Ahead of Armed Forces Day (Saturday 24 June), the EFL and EFL Trust earlier this week signed the Armed Forces Covenant, pledging to support the armed forces community and their families.

In signing the covenant, which took place at EFL House, the EFL and EFL Trust seek to uphold the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant, recognising the value serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring and pledging ongoing support to them within the organisation and community.

Cathy Abraham, CEO of the EFL Trust, said: “Members of the Armed Forces make a significant contribution to our country and we understand the issues that veterans and their family members face.

“We are proud to make a commit to share opportunities with the Armed Forces family, using football to bring people together for the greater good, and in an environment where they are treated fairly and equally and with an opportunity to thrive.”

In attendance at the signing were members of the military and of the EFL network of Club Community organisations who are already supporting the covenant in their communities. . Signing on behalf of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces Community was Colonel Darren Doherty.

Photo by Phil Oldham/Shutterstock 
A general view during the event
EFL Armed Forces Covenant Signing, Football, EFL House, Preston, UK – 20 Jun 2023

 

Colonel Darren Doherty, said: “People who serve in or have served in the armed forces and their families have to give up quite a lot. The covenant looks to make sure they are not disadvantaged as a result of that service. Particularly those who suffered from mental illness or life changing injuries… we’re just looking to make sure that we’re not disadvantaged in terms of the practical aspects such as housing, employment, education.

“Football is the soldier’s game and is so connected with community. This is it’s so important to have support from organisations like the EFL and EFL Trust.”

Also invited to the event was Mark Ward from Stockport County Community Trust, who served as a solider and was awarded the Military Cross in 2010.

Mark said: “I served 10 years in the infantry with my local regiment. Throughout this time, football was a big part of army life – the connection between football and the armed forces has been going for a long time.

“Upon leaving the army I found it really difficult to settle back into civilian life but thanks to football, it helped me get to where I am today. I gained my coaching badges and got a full-time role with Stockport County Community Trust.

“We’re now looking at piloting our own programmes for the Armed Forces in the local area, where I can use my personal experience to help others from a similar background to me.”

Many Clubs across the League provide a range of support programmes for veterans of all ages, helping them with mental health challenges and education and employment opportunities.

Speaking at the signing, Ashley Hackett, CEO of Blackpool Community Trust, said:

“When we talk about armed forces veterans, typically we think of people aged 60 – 70 years of age but it is absolutely not just that age group. The people we are engaging with at Blackpool Community Trust are in their 20s and early thirties.

“While our provision primarily focuses on football activities, we also deliver support for things like housing benefits and mental and social health for each veteran and their family members.”

Jacob volunteering with Swindon Town FC Community Foundation after attending their Refugee sessions.

At just 14 years old, Jacob left his home in Sudan and made the journey to the United Kingdom, a journey that would take him 3 years. Jacob describes this ordeal as “extremely daunting and scary.”

Having now been in the UK for 2 years, Jacob is 18 years old and has been volunteering with Swindon Town FC Community Foundation with ambition to establish a career in sport.

His role as a Facility Staff Member is based at ‘Foundation Park’, a place he knows well from his own participation.

For Jacob, Swindon Town FC Community Foundation and football were the two things that provided him support and stability when he arrived.

With no means of employment, and a stipend that doesn’t allow for leisure activities, Jacob and others are faced with long hours of boredom.

One outlet that is available to them is sport, and recognising this, the Foundation has given refugees the opportunity to attend coached sessions and play matches using the Foundation’s facilities.

The weekly sessions average around 20 participants, and those who are regularly committed have also been able to form a team. The Foundation also assist the participants with obtaining any kit that may be required in order to remove any barriers to participation they may be faced with.

Jacob loves attending weekly sessions at the Swindon Town FC Community Hub ‘Foundation Park’ which sits under the shadow of STFC home stadium The County Ground.

Swindon Town FC Foundation has given Jacob the opportunity to be active, meet new people, and aspire to pursue a career in something he loves.

EFL and British Red Cross ‘Club Together’ to tackle loneliness in young people

The EFL and its charity partner the British Red Cross are coming together during Loneliness Awareness Week to launch a Kindness Activity Pack called ‘Let’s Club Together’, a new initiative for schools designed to help children and young people positively combat loneliness by focusing on kindness and togetherness.

The pack, which is free for schools to access, and is available online as well as in print, contains a variety of activities to encourage children to think about:

  • How to look after yourself to become a stronger member of your team
  • Social interaction with others and the importance of friendship and support
  • Promoting positive experiences through kindness

While the pack has launched today as part of Loneliness Awareness Week, it can be used all year round and contains five activities which encourage young people to think about how they can look after themselves and others.

Schools can sign up to receive the pack here.

At the end of the week children who have taken part will be encouraged to wear the kit of their favourite football team, or a colour that makes them happy, and donate £1 to the British Red Cross to enable them to continue their valuable work.

EFL Chief Executive, Trevor Birch, said:

“Football has a remarkable ability to bring people together and the EFL’s partnership with British Red Cross has been about harnessing that power to make a real difference in communities across the country.

“Loneliness can have an impact on people of all ages and from all walks of life and equipping young people with the skills to spot signs of loneliness, both in themselves and others is a vital skill that they will be able to use throughout their lives.”

The Kindness Activity Pack builds on the work delivered during the first year of the partnership which has also seen a new ticketing scheme piloted at EFL Clubs across the country. This new scheme brought people together with other local fans to enjoy a match; helping to reduce feelings of isolation and encourage new friendships and connections.

Mike Adamson, chief executive, British Red Cross, said:

“We know that feeling lonely can have a serious impact on your health and wellbeing and it can affect anyone. There’s often an assumption that loneliness mainly affects older people, but it can be a problem at any age and recent research has found that students and young people can be particularly susceptible.

“That’s why it’s really important to make young people aware of loneliness and how they can recognise its effects, support others who might be having a difficult time and find support for themselves when they need it. We know that when people are less lonely and better connected, communities are stronger and more resilient.

“Our partnership with the EFL gives us the chance to reach this vital audience, working together to reduce isolation in communities around the country.”

The EFL and the British Red Cross teamed up at the start of the 2022/23 season with the shared ambition of reducing isolation in communities around the country via the EFL and its 72 Clubs. With one in five people in the UK currently experiencing loneliness, the work of the partnership has never been more important.

The partnership has also raised significant funds to support the valuable work of the British Red Cross.

 

Extra Time Hubs with Wigan Athletic Community Trust has been a lifesaver for David and his wife Carys

Extra Time Hubs with Wigan Athletic Community Trust has become the highlight of David and his wife and carer, Carys’ week.

Before joining the sessions, David struggled with illness and was in and out of the hospital regularly until he, unfortunately, had to have his leg amputated. Shortly after, David was also diagnosed with mixed dementia.

With Carys taking on the role of his carer, the pair were adjusting to David’s condition and his new life in a wheelchair. While dealing with the adjustment, they found themselves increasingly isolated and simply unable to meet new people or engage socially.

That was until they were referred to the Extra Time Programme by a Community Link worker to help them re-engage with the community while also giving Carys a chance to relax and unwind while knowing that David still had support around him.

The pair have become a staple of the Extra Time Hub at Wigan Youth Zone ever since joining their first session. The session has become “the highlight of their week” while enabling them to build new friendships, increase their mobility and gain a new lease on life.

The Extra Time Programme, originally created by the EFL Trust and funded in partnership with Wigan Athletic Supporters Club, hosts weekly Extra Time Hubs at Wigan Youth Zone and Leigh Miners with the aim of tackling loneliness and social isolation amongst our elderly community.

The Hubs enable retired and semi-retired people make the most of their free time and enjoy doing the things they want to do. With friendships, support and being the socially active forefront of the Hubs aim, participants decide what they wish to take in with various activities on offer from quizzes to walking football.

Speaking about her enjoyment of the sessions, Carys said:

“Before coming to the Extra Time Hub, he [David] was very poorly for a couple of years, in and out of the hospital, and then unfortunately, he had to have his leg amputated.

“And then he was diagnosed with mixed dementia. We were just getting used to the fact that he was now in a wheelchair, but we weren’t seeing people. It was just impossible to do it at that particular time.

“A Community Link worker came to the house and suggested that we come here. So she made a referral to Christine [WACT Extra Time Hub Activator], and within a week, we came here.

“From the minute we came in, you could sense there was a lovely atmosphere. We were greeted by Christine, smiling. We were introduced to different people, and we’ve been treated as we hadn’t been for quite some time, to be honest.

“And my husband has found that he can move around and do things, there’s space here for him to do things and he’s really enjoyed doing the activities.

“As far as my husband and I are concerned, it’s been a lifesaver.

“It’s the highlight of the week for us. We’ve been making new friends with people as well.

“Everybody’s so friendly. They can’t do enough to help us.”

Her thoughts were echoed by her husband David, who added:

“I’m used to doing things myself, and I can’t do them now, so I get a bit frustrated, but I try and let it go and carry on doing what I can, and I’m enjoying myself, really.

“All the staff, they’re helpful, they’ll explain everything,

“I enjoy myself, and I look forward to coming every Tuesday, and I feel better for it.”

Adrian Bradley the EFL Trust’s Health and Wellbeing lead, explains, “With Extra Time Hubs we set out to do something different. Activities for Older people tended to be small coffee morning or bingo sessions. We want to create a social community of people in their retirement years who meet regularly to socialise and to do the things they enjoy, not what we tell them they should enjoy. We focus on the social side of the hub and help people to feel better by reducing their social isolation and loneliness. By getting people more socially active we nudge them towards more a physically active lifestyles – it’s health by stealth.”

Uwais one of many unsung volunteering heroes at Blackburn Rovers Community Trust

Blackburn Rovers Community Trust has a strong team of volunteers who support the charity to deliver and provide invaluable support to their local community 365 days per year.

Volunteers provide valuable support to numerous projects and initiatives, from engaging with young people on the Trust’s Neighbourhood Youth Offer to being a person to talk to at the health and well-being sessions.

One important volunteer role that that is not often visible is the Trust’s board of Trustees. The board of Trustees play an important role in helping deliver Blackburn Rovers Community Trust’s strategy within the local area and beyond.  Blackburn Rovers Community Trust have a dedicated and hardworking board of Trustees, including Uwais Patel, a qualified Chartered Accountant who has worked in audit and advisory, before joining an insurance broker where he currently holds the post of Group Chief Operating Officer.

Uwais helps BRCT with Community Inclusion and he assists the board of Trustees with key decisions that impact the present and future of the charity.

Speaking during Volunteers Week 2023, Uwais said: “I have lived in Blackburn all my life and I was brought up as a Rovers fan. It meant that I always wanted to give back to the community and help overcome barriers that I faced.

“Having seen the work, the Community Trust had done previously and my passion for the football club, I really wanted to get involved and give back to the community.

“I am lucky enough now to work for a company that also sponsors the football club and we have supported many initiatives such as the Ewood Express that helps thousands of people in the borough.

“I am incredibly proud to represent the Community Trust. It is great that I can listen to the public and know we have the both the facilities and fantastic team in place running the day-to-day operations to make a positive difference.”

Volunteers’ Week is an annual celebration of the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering in their communities.

“Community focus was a key part of my life when I was growing up,” explained Uwais, when asked why he wanted to volunteer to be a Trustee.  It is also one of the key virtues of my religion, Islam. Giving back to the community gives us a sense of gratitude and by being privileged enough to be in this position as a Trustee and to see the impact the Community Trust is making on so many people’s lives helps me accomplish my personal goals too.

“I am a lifelong Blackburn Rovers supporter and to have the chance to give back to my town, I have never seen it as a volunteering role but almost a hobby that I enjoy doing. The Community Trust has made a huge difference on my life by allowing me to make a difference. However, more importantly, it is making a difference on thousands of individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.

“Without the great staff we have in place, none of this would be even possible. You can see on a matchdays the difference it makes but the Community Trust is active 365 days per year supporting people.”

 

The power of youth voice in Yorkshire

“Listening to their [young people] journey makes me once again realise the power of volunteering and how it can positively impact a community.”

How 18-year-old Shamza Butt views her time volunteering in the Bradford where she, and so many young people in her area, are making a huge difference in their community.

With today (Tuesday 6th June) being Power of Youth Day and the end of Volunteers Week 2023, we want to highlight the great work taking place in Bradford as part of the Peer Action Collective programme.

Bradford City AFC Community Foundation and the Sheffield Wednesday FC Community Programme have been integral in Yorkshire supporting and guiding hundreds of young people to produce research and create social action on youth violence in the city.

As part of the Peer Action Collective project, where the EFL Trust partnered with the Youth Endowment Fund, #iwill Fund and Co-op to deliver a regional programme, Bradford’s team conducted one-to-one interviews and group sessions to understand young people’s views on knife crime in Bradford, and what can be done to make young people feel safer and reduce the number of young people carrying knives.

The young people have worked with Bradford Police and PCSOs to deliver knife-crime awareness workshops in schools, joined Street Angels in providing lifesaving first aid training, and some of the Peer Action Collective are now Independent Police Advisory Group members too.

United by the EFL Trust, Bradford City AFC Community Foundation, alongside the Sheffield Wednesday FC Community Programme, delivered weekly workshops for boys and young men 15-18 who could benefit from extra support and encouragement at HMP Young Offender Institution Wetherby.

Earlier this year, the Foundation joined young people at the Houses of Parliament, where they shared the story of the project with MPs.

In May 2023, Shamza – an integral voice and driver of the project – was chosen as one of the nation’s Coronation Champions.

“Achieving this honourable award in less than six years being in the UK fills me with a sense of pride and accomplishment, and I look forward to continuing with all the volunteering work and doing more for my community as I spend more time getting to know my city,” she said.

“It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to be invited to Buckingham Palace for the garden party.

“I had the chance to speak to so many people who are doing great things in their communities, key workers, teachers, mentors and many volunteers.

 

Peter Walker, Project Manager at the EFL Trust added:

“We all roughly know some of the reasons why young people get involved in youth crime and violence, and the impact it has on them and the community. But to see and hear the views, opinions and stories of hundreds of young people about the issues they face is something else.

“It’s great to see that there are young people that want to project this youth voice to help make a change, raise awareness, become positive roles models, and embed themselves into local decision making. Bradford City AFC Community Foundation have been incredible in making this project a success.”

Stockport County Community Trust ensuring their whole community is looked after with Social Wellbeing Group.

Stockport County Community Trust  carry out incredible work within their community, with one such impactful example taking place at Edgeley Park every Wednesday morning, away from the hustle and bustle of matchday.

County’s Social Wellbeing Group takes place at the Stadium, providing that well-known venue to the dozens of locals who attend every week in a warm, welcoming and comfortable environment to help reduce social isolation and to improve wellbeing.

Alison Warwood, CEO of the Trust, said: “Our group is more than a tea and a coffee for people who come along. They go away with tremendous outcomes and benefits which makes a positive difference to their lives.

“The Club and the Trust set up the group to help people who are vulnerable and/or who may be socially isolated and or lonely. They come along, share their issues, but also enjoy themselves, building new friendships whilst taking part in the many activities we have.”

Members can take part in therapeutic interventions by enjoying stress-relieving activities such as gentle yoga, relaxation and body movement and art therapy delivered by trained qualified professional therapists, helping to make long-term lifestyle changes which may lead to improving the quality of their lives.

The Group also acts as a signposting hub where the volunteers or the Trust may be able to advise on different services, organisations or guidance on how they could make lives easier at home, like promoting the benefits of smart meters, via the partnership between the EFL, the EFL Trust and Smart Energy GB.  Members often play bingo, quiz, or take a ground tour, gently walking around the pitch too to get exercising.

Ken Knott, Chairman of Stockport County FC, said: “Whilst the excitement of what happens on the football field is very important, if you truly aspire to take the Football Club back to the community, you’ve got to do a great deal, more than putting on a decent football team.

“We need to reach out to the community including those facing disadvantage and those with mental health challenges to ensure that the Club is re-embedded within its wider community.”

Barnsley FC Helping Hashim Show How Disability is not a barrier to Success

Hashim is furthering his education and improving his employment prospects through his Football Club. Hashim also has a goal to help others enjoy the benefits of sport. Hashim is studying for a Foundation Degree in Community Football Coaching and Development with Barnsley FC’s charity, Reds in the Community.

Hashim has been deaf all his life having contracted an ear infection at just a few months old. But, for him it is not something that negatively impacts his life, a mindset he wants to pass onto others.

Operating through the University of South Wales (USW), the two-year degree course is run in partnership with the EFL Trust in order to develop the required skills and experiences to operate as a professional coach or work in community sport. The degree offers work-based learning with Reds in the Community and allows learners to tailor their interests and gain practical, hands on experience.

Through this, those students studying at Barnsley can continue get hands on experience of the whole range of the Clubs charity’s work. This method of learning really appealed to Hashim especially as he would get to be involved in Reds in the Community’s excellent disability sports programme.

Having started the USW course during the COVID-19 pandemic. This presented more challenges for Hashim with so much work taking on-line. However, he always stayed positive and did everything he could to remove any barriers and be the best he can be.

He explained: “Learning online was difficult for me. As a Deaf person, I prefer to work face to face. I had to work doubly hard compared to my hearing peers. USW and Reds in the Community have been so supportive at every step. The lecturers check in to see if I need anything and to let me know what support is available to me. I just try to get on as normally as I can – if there is a barrier, I put the effort in and try to break it down.”

Hashim is also a talented footballer and also aspires to succeed in his playing career. He currently representing Farsley Celtic Deaf FC, who have just won the English Deaf Football Challenge Cup, and the England Deaf Team. However, it is clear above all Hashim wants to provide the support, guidance, and inspiration to younger hearing-impaired individuals to ensure they can succeed, without their hearing impairment becoming a barrier.

He explained: “I think about younger Deaf people coming through and I would advise them to work hard, try and be the best they can be, always thinking that next step. If there’s any barriers, find the support available. I’m happy to help anyone who wants to get in touch.”

 

 

Carlisle United Community Sports Trust’s Traineeships gave Aidan the opportunity to “love being in work.”

Carlisle United are at the forefront of helping young people find meaningful employment. The Club’s charity, the CUFC Community Sport Trust, runs a very successful 12 weeks Traineeship programme which equips young people with the crucial skills and experience to able to get on the first rung of the employment ladder.

There are countless reasons why some young people don’t do well at school and leave the education system with little or no qualifications. This can often be accompanied by low self-esteem and a lack of confidence. This, in turn, makes it difficult for them to find any kind of employment or even get the work experience needed to get a job, which can cause their self-esteem to drop even lower. A traineeships breaks this vicious circle. Run at many Football Clubs across the country Traineeships are key stepping stone that help people who are not currently in education, employment or training find work.

The 12-week course are designed to develop key employability skill and also provide valuable work experience. Based at a Football Club, the trainee will be supported by a mentor and who will address their specific needs so that at the end of the 12-weeks they are ready find work and thrive in the workplace.

That was very much the story for Aidan Brown, a trainee on Carlisle United latest cohort of the programme. On completion of the 12-week course Aidan has successfully gained employment, and simply said “I now love being in the world of work.”

Aidan fully embraced the opportunities the traineeship had to offer and worked hard to develop the skills needed for the work place. As part of the work placement, the Trust secured a 12-week customer service role at VR Gateway. Aidan excelled in this role, taking part in various roadshows across the city and wider communities.

Aidan’s polite, calming nature shone through, and the organisation received some great feedback on Aidan’s professionalism and impeccable manners.

Ian Irving, director of the VR Gateway said, “Aidan’s work ethic, overall positive attitude, and professionalism has been a credit to the team. He has conducted himself well, and performed admirably in some challenging and new situations.”

Aidan also volunteered with the community coaches at CUFC CST working alongside coaches in various primary schools, again his work ethic was outstanding. On completing the traineeship Aidan gained employment at Carlisle Youth Zone as a youth worker.

Aidan explained, “The traineeship programme helped me to establish what career path I wanted to pursue, the work placement elements helped me to secure my decision and guide me in the right direction. Teresa helped me with my application/planning an activity session as part of the interview process for the youth worker position at the youth zone.”

Teresa Mulholland-Traineeship Co-Ordinator. Commented, “We are immensely proud of Aidan, his work ethic and commitment to the programme has been outstanding. Aidan will be a great asset to Carlisle Youth Zone and this just shows what can happen if you give a young person like Aidan an opportunity.”