Safeline’s Student Ambassador Millie Guy spent a week working with our Prevention and Early Intervention team. During this time she supported the delivery of a sports project for young people aged 11 – 17. Here she shares about her experience on the project.
“The project was 100% worthwhile.”
“I realised sport is a great way to get away from my problems.”
These comments are from young people who took part in Safeline’s Prevention and Early Intervention Summer Sports Project, highlighting the difference these projects truly make in young people’s lives. This project was nothing short of inspirational.
This meant trying some sports out for the first time
Safeline’s Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) team recently ran a three-day sports project, funded by Jessica’s Promise. The young people – all from diverse backgrounds and challenging circumstances – came together to create their own community and team, which developed throughout the week. It was truly uplifting to see the support and encouragement the young people gave to all their peers, ensuring absolutely no one felt isolated or left out. One young person explained how they loved being part of this group as usually they felt excluded at school. Through creating a safe, encouraging, and positive environment, the young people flourished as the week went on. Really showing their potential not only in sport but also as a friend to others.
Across the three days, the young people took part in a range of sports, such as athletics, rounders, tennis, and more; to boost their self-esteem and wellbeing. For many, this meant trying some sports out for the first time. The individual sports like running encouraged the young people to focus on improving their own ability and beating their personal bests. Meanwhile the team games such as football and basketball manifested incredible teamwork and a lovely sportsmanship within the group.
The PEI team supplied the young people with the knowledge and opportunity to develop their skills in different sports; this knowledge included learning the rules of each sport and partaking in practice drills such as shooting and dribbling. These skills were later used during a competitive game. One young person said that they “recommended this project to anyone who wants to learn about how to improve sports knowledge.”
Another person even felt they “learnt so much and knew more than I would from a PE lesson.”
Along with the practical activities, regular discussions took place within the group to discuss sport, rules, and their own experiences. These discussions meant participants could share their knowledge, aiding their peer’s understanding. It was remarkable to see how much knowledge some young people had about different sports.
“let them have fun in a healthy way,”
This knowledge also extended to the Olympics, which was currently taking place, with many positive discussions regarding different sports, teams, and sportspeople that the young people were interested in. By participating in this project, all young people achieved an ASDAN award in sports and fitness. This award is a nationally approved qualification that enhances the personal, social, and employability skills of young people.
During this project, the talent for sport these young people had was clear. By providing an opportunity to participate, Safeline helped these young people to realise their passion and potential for sports, importantly boosting their confidence and abilities.
By working with young people and providing a safe space, the PEI team can make a significant impact in young people’s lives. Across the project, there was a remarkable enhancement in the mental well-being, confidence and self-esteem of the young people participating. One of the young people felt the sports project “let them have fun in a healthy way,” and another explained how it helped them to talk to people and escape their ‘problems.’
This project offers young people a safe space filled with opportunities to develop their confidence, aid recovery, and improve their mental health. Precisely what makes the PEI service’s work so important. To ensure the confidence developed continues to grow, Safeline supports young people on the course to join their local sports team in a sport of their choice. Through engaging in local sports, they continue to develop their self-esteem and skillset. They also further widen their support circle and contribution to their local community.
Thanks to generous funders such as Jessica’s Promise
The sports project and other Safeline PEI programmes are crucial to offering young people opportunities and a safe environment to thrive and explore their passions and talents. At the heart of these projects are the young people. Along with improving their mental health and self-esteem, the young people simply have fun, make new friends, and have new positive experiences.
Thanks to generous funders such as Jessica’s Promise, our PEI team can deliver life-changing projects like this one. If you or anyone you know would be interested in contributing or funding one of these brilliant projects to make a difference in vulnerable young people’s lives, please get in touch. Contact fundraising@safeline.org.uk.
Stay up to date with Safeline’s work by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
Safeline’s Prevention and Early Intervention Team are funded by BBC Children in Need, the Department of Health and Social Care, The Inclusive Communities Fund, the National Lottery Community Fund, the Dulverton Trust, the Pilgrim Trust, the Sheldon Trust, Stratford Town Trust , OPCC Warwickshire and other funders and individual donors.
