Supporting Sheffield’s Young People
Earlier this summer, we were delighted to welcome the young people and teachers from schools we have been delivering programmes in from across Sheffield, to our celebration event in Sheffield United’s stadium, Bramall Lane.
The event marked the successful completion of the third year of programmes in schools, delivered as part of the partnership between Dame Kelly Holmes Trust and Sheffield-based Westfield Health. Local funders Mott Macdonald also celebrated their second year of supporting the city’s young people.
The On Track to Achieve programme in local schools gives young people a teammate like no other. Delivered by the Trust, On Track to Achieve puts athlete mentors shoulder to shoulder with young people, showing them how to channel the champion mindset and equipping them with the skills to achieve. The partners involved have offered the young people some excellent experiences, welcoming them into their offices to present their social action plans to a panel - not only building their confidence in public speaking but sharing the office experience with them. In turn, employees have volunteered at the programme sessions and have had the chance to witness the positive transformation in the young people as their confidence, resilience and self-esteem builds.
Collectively with our partners in Sheffield, we’re putting young people in the frame, and backing them with the best: The groups are working with some of the region's finest talent, including Paul Broadbent, former England Rugby League International Challenge Cup winner with Sheffield Eagles, Kelvin Batey, former World Champion BMX cyclist, and James Kirton, former GB Olympic and World Championship Swimmer.
50% of the schools engaged are in the top 5% of the most deprived wards in the country, and over 80% of the young people taking part live in the 40% most deprived area of the country. Teachers reported students' confidence in their ability to achieve more than doubled, whilst attendance and behaviour improved. Stuart, a teacher at Birley Academy shared his experience:
“The programme has been a massive success and has grown year on year, to the point where students want to be involved in it and past students want to carry on participating. Each year we have worked with Kelvin Batey and he is a fantastic mentor and role model for our students. The fact that he is a successful sports person and is not connected to school helps to reduce barriers and build amazing relationships with our students. His story and values that he shares with our students is fantastic and they warm to him instantly.
The added 1-2-1 session introduced this year has been amazing - Kelvin has worked with students with behavioural and attendance issues. This has lead to students having reduced behaviour incidents and also improved attendance as they want to carry on working with Kelvin and look forward to sessions with him.
Whilst our students have undertaken the scheme they have grown massively in confidence. The ones who are over confident learnt how to utilise their confidence in a more positive manner. Our students have had opportunities such as visiting EIS in Sheffield and Bramhall Lane for events with the Trust which they might not have been able to experience if they were not involved.”
We couldn’t do this without the generous support of local businesses in Sheffield who are committed to providing a better future for their local young people. If you and your business are interested in funding programmes in schools in Sheffield and South Yorkshire, please get in touch on fundraising@damekellyholmestrust.org