Partnership delivers powerful social impact in Sheffield
In 2021 Dame Kelly Holmes Trust and Westfield Health launched a partnership with a difference. Following a successful first year, the two organisations are celebrating achievements to date, with activity already underway across the region this year. The partnership’s shared goal is to create positive change for young people in Sheffield, in the communities that most need support. The first year’s results show how powerful an impact an organisation can have, by investing in its local community.
Putting athlete mentors shoulder to shoulder with young people, equipping them with a winning mindset that’s ready to achieve – it’s a teammate like no other. Over the past year, the partnership has created opportunities for students in 10 Sheffield secondary schools, supported a group of young adults to play a leading role in championing wellbeing in their communities, as well as engaging primary school pupils in years 5 and 6 throughout the region in wellbeing activities focusing on their transition to secondary school. The programmes launch again in November with a further 10 secondary schools, as well as working with more young leaders at the England Institute of Sport.
Powering Potential, Shaping Futures - highlights include:
178 Young People mentored by world class athletes through transformational programmes. Over half of which were girls (51%) and 48% came from ethnically diverse backgrounds
50% of the schools engaged are located in the top 5% most deprived wards in the country and over 80% of the young people taking part in On Track to Achieve live in the 40% most deprived area of the country
Teachers reported students’ confidence in their ability to achieve more than doubled; poor behaviour and attendance also went down
As a result of already being active in the city, through the Youth Endowment Fund, the Trust has brought an additional £50,000 to Sheffield to deliver 1:1 mentoring for young people at risk of criminal activity
Participants on the Young Leaders programme enjoyed an opportunity to meet South Yorkshire Mayor, Oliver Coppard to discuss his vision for wellbeing in the region; as well as delivering wellbeing activities at Move More’s Olympic Legacy in Action event in June – accessible to upwards of 1,000 people
Dave Capper, CEO of Westfield Health said:
“We all know how much of a difference it makes when you have someone in your corner fighting for you, encouraging you and challenging you to be the best you can. It’s transformational. We’re so proud to be a part of this inspirational programme that not only champions wellbeing but harnesses the power of having a personal champion to help young people reach their potential.”
James Kirton, former GB Olympic and world champion swimmer said of delivering the programmes in his hometown:
“My day job may no longer be as an elite swimmer, but I am now lucky enough to be a coach and a mentor to the next generation, passing on this knowledge and skills to young people who are grappling with so many complexities, all over the country, the Steel City included. It’s been great to work with Westfield Health, an organisation which is really interested in benefitting their local area and their city.”
Ben Hilton, CEO of Dame KellyHolmes Trust added:
“We’re thrilled with the positive impact we have had in year one of the partnership with Westfield Health, an organisation which shares our values and aspirations for young people. We’re really excited about the next stage and looking forward to supporting even more young people across the Sheffield region as we continue to grow and expand our network here.”
About Westfield Health:
Formed in 1919, Westfield Health transforms people’s mental and physical wellbeing, creating happier, healthier people and more resilient businesses.
Whether that’s mental health support or active space, health insurance or remote wellbeing webinars, they tailor solutions to organisations, their goals and their people.
Proud of its not-for-profit heritage, the organisation’s mission is to make a healthy difference and transform people’s wellbeing, donating more than £15 million to charities and communities across the UK.