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NEW 'SPORT AND TALK' PROGRAMME LAUNCHED TO SUPPORT VULNERABLE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Sky Blues in the Community (SBitC), the official charity arm of Coventry City Football Club, are working with the NHS to deliver a brand new ‘Sport and Talk for Life Skills’ initiative for some of the most vulnerable children and young people in Coventry and Warwickshire.

The 12-week pilot programme, which launched in August 2023, supports young people, aged 11-18, who have experienced trauma and adversity to develop crucial life skills and improve their confidence, communication, leadership skills and employment prospects.

Led by trained professionals from SBitC, the young people are able to access a range of sports, physical activities, mentoring, and employability support designed to enhance their future prospects. As well as being offered ongoing health and wellbeing support, the participants are also given the opportunity to obtain a nationally recognised Sports Leaders qualification which ensures they have all skills they need to lead physical activity sessions within the community.

The programme involves a mix of sports, selected by the young people, including football, basketball, tennis, volleyball and table tennis to help them try new activities and improve their fitness and wellbeing. They also have access to trained health and wellbeing professionals who can offer 1-2-1 and group support to help the participants make healthier lifestyle choices.

Time is set aside each day for the young people on the programme to work towards their Sports Leader qualification. They have access to qualified and experienced tutors who will provide ongoing support and mentoring throughout, as well as the opportunity to engage in peer-to-peer learning to develop their teamwork and communication.

After the 12-week programme, every young person will be supported into a wide range of free open access community programmes and sessions that SBitC deliver for young people across Coventry and Warwickshire. These opportunities will provide the young people with a chance to continue developing their confidence and skills and help to make a lasting impact on their lives.

The programme has been commissioned by NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board as part of their new ‘Positive Directions’ project. The project, which has been co-designed by young people, aims to support some the most vulnerable children and young people in Coventry and Warwickshire with complex needs, including those who have been subjected to child exploitation and significant trauma. Those who are referred onto the project are given access to a variety of support, including access to a new social prescribing platform as well as programmes such as ‘Sport and Talk for Life Skills’.

By bringing together the experience and expertise of both SBitC and the NHS, the programme is able to offer the support, advice and guidance that empowers the young people to make positive changes to their lives.

 

Head of Community at SBitC and Former Premier League Footballer, Dave Busst, said:

“Sky Blues in the Community has a commitment to making a difference within our local community. We currently run a wide range of projects in Coventry and Warwickshire, based around our four themes - inclusion, health, sport and education. We’re delighted our work has already had such a positive impact on the people we’re working with. This is a fantastic opportunity for young people across Coventry and Warwickshire to learn valuable life-skills, whilst hopefully making a significant impact on their health.”

 

Tracy Pilcher, Chief Nursing Officer at NHS Coventry and Warwickshire ICB, said:

“The ‘Sport and Talk for Life Skills’ programme is a wonderful opportunity for some of the most vulnerable children and young people from across Coventry and Warwickshire to access vital advice and support that will improve not only their health and wellbeing, but their employment opportunities too.

“This programme is a fantastic example of how the Positive Directions project is finding new and innovative ways to support our local young people. By listening to them, involving them in the production of the programme and by offering them new opportunities, we can help make a positive, lasting impact on their lives.”

 

Listen to John Szyndler, Mental Health and Wellbeing Manager at Sky Blues in the Community, and Lyn Ranson, Positive Directions Clinical Consultant Lead at NHS Coventry and Warwickshire ICB, speaking about the programme on BBC CWR:

 


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