Sport 4 Change
The Pitch
Problem statement
A recent report by Sport England showed that just 52% of Black adults and 48% of Asian adults met the CMO guidelines for activity levels between 2020-2021 compared to 61% of the whole population. We consulted 28 BAME people aged 16 to 49. Our consultation suggested there were several possible reasons for lackof/reduced activity levels. These include: (1) increased concerns about catching/spreading the virus which reduced the opportunity to be more active; (2) lack of accessible/affordable sporting or coaching opportunities, (3) financial worries and pressures due to Covid. These communities were more likely to suffer from higher job losses, and had less in less disposal income.
Solution
We would like to run weekly sports and recreational sessions for people aged 18 to 49 in East London aimed to encourage people to get active and manage stress and anxiety through a range of activities. Our programme will focus on those who currently do little or no physically active, and/or who have little means to access sport in the community. Sessions will include: (1)Weekly sports based activities including Cricket and Badminton sessions of between 1-2 hours per week, and; (2). Activities to help develop skills, improve mindfulness, mental health and stronger resilience to help manage stress and anxiety including; yoga/meditation, fitness, emotional wellbeing and wellness sessions.
Why are we best placed to deliver?
Our group was set up in early 2021 by a team of highly experienced sports enthusiasts and qualified coaches. Since then, we have delivered over 200 sessions to 80 people across 3 boroughs in East London. We have a team of skilled coaches who are able to deliver high quality sessions to mixed ability groups including the disabled, and those who are physically inactive. From feedback collected, we know how valuable and worthwhile these sessions are to many people who see our organisation as a vital support service in the community. In addition, we have worked with several organisations including Redbridge Vision and other local community groups/centres which helps us promote our services.
Focus Areas
Delivery plan
Budget breakdown
| Sports hall hire (2 hours per week @ £40 p/h x 12 weeks) | £960 |
| Room hire for workshops (2 hours per week @ £25 p/h x 12 weeks) | £600 |
| Project Lead - 4 hours per week @ £20p/h x 12 weeks | £960 |
| Session Facilitator - 2 hours per week @ £14 p/h x 12 weeks | £336 |
| Sports Equipment | £144 |
Beneficiaries
25 people
Expected impact
As well as addressing physical inactivity amongst certain community groups, our programme will have a number of positive and lasting benefits including; 1. More people will be fit and active. A recent study found that Barking and Dagenham/Redbridge were amongst the "least active" Boroughs in London. Our programme will make sport accessible, engaging and fun. 2. More people will have reduced stress and anxiety. Keeping fit and healthy is scientifically proven to help reduce stress and anxiety. The Covid 19 pandemic has had a significant impact on peoples' health. This programme will help people manage stress and Mental health and wellbeing through specific sports and recreational activities. 3. It will give people more opportunities to make friends and in turn, enhance social integration in the community and better-connected support networks; 4. It will give people from within the community the opportunity to pursue and consider areas for personal development and improvement.
Track record
Since early 2021 we have delivered over 200 sessions to 80 people across 3 London boroughs. Our participants are from all ages, abilities and backgrounds. Our sessions have high attendance rates (regularly 95% or more). In summer 2021 we organised a Family Sports Day and Picnic, which was attended by 150 people from the local community and featured in the local press. From participant feedback, we know how valuable and worthwhile our sessions are to many people who see our organisation as a vital support service for the community. Participants have reported on how engaging and fun our sessions are, how much they enjoy attending, and how positive they feel after our sessions. Participants have also told us that our sessions give them a chance to socialise with other people who they would not normally have the opportunity to meet, and for one participant in particular, our support has helped him tackle feelings of social isolation and anxiety levels during the pandemic.