Working to support young people at risk of involvement in violence
With sport and physical activity being increasingly recognised as having a role in prevention and early intervention work with children and young people at risk of, or already involved in offending behaviour, we are pleased to be working with the Youth Endowment Fund in the new year to support young people at risk of involvement in violence.
The YEF’s most recent crime statistics report highlights that following a downturn in crime over the pandemic, since lockdown measures have been lifted, numbers are rising. The Trust has been selected for a pilot mentoring project which is expected to start in Spring 2023, supporting young people in some of the most deprived areas of Sheffield in terms of crime, education, employment and income.
Dame Kelly Holmes Trust puts world class athletes shoulder to shoulder with young people. Equipping them with a winning mindset and shaping their futures - it's a teammate like no other. We believe every young person deserves an opportunity to be the best version of themselves. Our athlete mentors deliver transformational programmes for young people in education, community and health settings. Whether building relationship skills, improving self-esteem or learning to stay focused, our sporting champions help the next generation move forward with confidence.
Our athlete mentors are real people, with real pasts which makes them relatable to young people. They have had to overcome physical and mental challenges and setbacks, stereotypes, discrimination and disadvantage. For some, sport has been a game-changer, turning their lives around and shifting their focus from crime and antisocial behaviours to using sport as a positive outlet and focus. Our athlete mentors share their journeys, helping to engage, inspire and empower young people to make positive choices and take control of their own destiny. For example, former British and European champion boxer Hannah Beharry, whose compelling story of how boxing and the discipline the sport offered helped to lead her away from a life of crime that was all too real in her neighbourhood and indeed in her home, rings true for many within the groups she mentors.
A recent UK Youth report made the case for the economic value of youth work, saying that for every pound the government invests in the youth sector, this generates between £3.20 and £6.40 in benefits to the taxpayer.
We strongly believe in the positive influence of sport in youth work, and proud to also be forming part of the solution. We’re not alone in believing this and we’re inspired by the work of others in the Sport for Development Coalition and the wider sporting world:
The Three Pillars project’s rugby-based interventions utilise positive role models, sport, and the power of community to equip young men who are vulnerable to engaging in crime, in custody, and recently released from prison, with a toolkit of skills to forge a brighter future. As well as the clear physical benefits, for five years, parkrun’s custodial events aim to reduce reoffending by providing a welcoming, non-judgemental, and positive community that can help support reintegration into society.
We know our athlete mentors have a huge amount to offer young people at risk of involvement in crime, anti-social behaviour and serious violence, and we are looking forward to beginning the Youth Endowment Fund project in 2023. The Trust’s world class athlete mentors will deliver 1-1 mentoring to 55 young people in the Sheffield area who are at risk of involvement in violence. Over a period of 12 weeks, athlete mentors will provide them a real opportunity to make sustained and positive change for the long term. We’re excited to be delivering this in Sheffield where we are already working with over 200 young people in schools and in the community to increase wellbeing and bring about positive changes in the community.