Sport and physical activity for a powerful and positive effect on mental health
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The Pitch
Problem statement
Everyone needs friends. There is nothing lonelier than being isolated from friends and family. Depression, leading to mental illness and / or addiction issues can follow, and in extreme cases suicide. Our gym and keep fit project address these problems. Having a free and welcoming venue, supported by counsellors and mentors who have lived the issues, has been a panacea for the Jewish community’s isolated, lonely and stigmatised youth who had nowhere else to go. We have found that joining in on activities has had the effect of reducing weed use by 50%. Our gym offers a remedy to loneliness, isolation and depression. We are hoping to build upon this success.
Solution
The aim of our project is to expand our range of sports and keep fit activities, which include boxing, kickboxing and spa boxing, 7-a-side football, cycling, horse riding and a range of keep fit programmes. All our projects help our young people gain mental strength and combat depression and anxiety by being able to switch off from their anxieties and be present in the moment. With your help we will be able to increase our gym hours to 72 hours a week.
Why are we best placed to deliver?
Opening in 2009 we have been able to offer a wide range of services to North West London's NEETs. We are now receiving 200 referrals a year. During the main periods of Covid isolation we provided a range of keep fit activities, at our client's behest including a zoom gym and cycling. We also built a gym, which now has over 40 participants a week. We have trained and recruited from our alumni BISMA keep fit instructors. Currently demand outstrips supply and we are seeking your grant support for this.
Focus Areas
Delivery plan
Budget breakdown
| Gym Equipment | £3,000 |
| Staffing | £1,500 |
| Training on specialist equipment | £500 |
Beneficiaries
60 people
Expected impact
Our gym offers a remedy to loneliness, isolation and depression. We are hoping to build upon this success and offer the facilities to many more of our clients and keep the gym open for a minimum of 72 hours per week.
Track record
We have a great track record orf success - Sadly, we are regularly confronted with instances of homelessness, caused by a myriad of circumstances such as difficulties in the family dynamic; abandonment due to mental health issues or family estrangement brought about by drug abuse, criminal activities or severe delinquent behaviour. This list is by no means exhaustive. In some cases, the young people have run out of friends to stay with (‘sofa surfing’), and we have found them literally sleeping in shop fronts. Where possible, we will negotiate the safe return of the young person to the family home. This requires intense intervention and support to both the adolescent as well as to his parents. Where the better option is independent living, we source suitable accommodation and support the young person with grants for rent, food, items for personal hygiene and changes of clothing. We have also recently converted a section of our premises into an emergency temporary shelter.