Partnership’s Fourth Year Launches
Dame Kelly Holmes Trust and Sanctuary Supported Living launch year four of partnership
Dame Kelly Holmes Trust and Sanctuary Supported Living are thrilled to launch the fourth year of their ongoing partnership, as three bespoke Get on Track Employability programmes commence across the South-East of England. The partnership is funded through Sanctuary’s Sustainable Communities programme, which aims to build connection and resilience for customers and their communities. This year, the Trust will also be developing digital content supporting physical and mental wellbeing, which will be made available to all Sanctuary Supported Living residents, allowing hundreds of young people access to a teammate like no other.
In 2024, residents at Brighton & Hove Foyer, Dove Cott and Swan House in Essex, and Canterbury will have a Champion in their Corner as athlete mentors, Hannah Beharry and Claire Bennett will deliver a best-in-class programme. Claire is a former Fencing Gold medallist who has represented Great Britain from the age of 14, while Hannah was one of the first women to box for Britain and became a two-time British Champion. Both athlete mentors have been part of the partnership from the start, and using their unique experience, mindset and skills from the world of sport, they will work with the young people to increase their confidence, resilience, self-esteem, and wellbeing with a focus on all important employability skills.
The bespoke version of the Trust’s Get on Track programme, which was developed following feedback from residents, and delivered in 2023, saw noticeable improvement across the board. Across the four participating sites, Brighton, Weston-Super-Mare, Basildon and Hartlepool, residents recorded a fantastic 100% increase in wellbeing, with almost half reporting an increase in confidence, 64% increasing their resilience, and almost three quarters (73%) noting an increase in self-esteem. With 71% of participants saying they learned new employability skills, many left feeling more ready to confidently enter the world of work.
Alfie, a participant in the 2023 programme, is one of those young people who demonstrates the positive impact the programme is having. Prior to working with Claire, Alfie was struggling with his mental health, struggling with his eating habits and struggled during the winter. But after working with Claire, he said:
“I feel more confident in myself now; I can set and follow goals. I’m doing lots more physical activity now, and I try to go to the gym most days, which helps with my mental health and wellbeing. ”
Dame Kelly Holmes Trust programmes are having a positive impacts in the lives of Sanctuary Supported Living residents.
Interim CEO of Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, Martin Talbot said:
“We’re delighted to be continuing this amazing partnership with Sanctuary Supported Living. The project is in its fourth year, and we’ve seen so many young people benefit from it. We’re returning to some familiar sites, but we’re also welcoming Canterbury as a brand-new site for 2024.
“We know first-hand what a difference our athlete mentors have made on the programme in previous years, and we’re excited to make further differences in the lives of these young people at these sites across the year. Once again, a big thank you for Sanctuary partnering with us again and to our athlete mentors who make the experience super special.” ”
Sanctuary Supported Living offers a wide range of supported housing and retirement communities, alongside tailored care and support services, to people across England. At Brighton and Hove Foyer, Swan House, Dove Cott House and Whitsable Road, the not-for-profit organisation provides support for young people aged 16-25 who are experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness, or in care.
Dave Shaw, Director for Sanctuary Supported Living said:
“As the only housing association partnered with Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, we’re uniquely positioned to combine quality housing with life-changing opportunities that empower young people to overcome challenges, unlock their potential, and pave the way for lasting independence. By working together, we’re not just providing a safe place to live, but helping young people develop the skills, confidence, and resilience they need for brighter futures. This partnership is a testament to our shared commitment to creating real, positive change for those who need it most. ”