Local sports clubs are being invited to take advantage of a new initiative to engage children and young people through sport and physical activity. Frome Town Council are working with Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership (SASP) to encourage as many local sports groups as possible to get involved.
The Jump Start programme aims to provide young people aged 8-18 years old, who may have chaotic home lives, struggle to stay in school or may be known to the police, with life skills, confidence and positive experiences. Young people are supported by a trained, paid, SASP mentor to decide what they would like to access and then additionally with a trained volunteer within the club of their choice.
To launch the offer in Frome, an online information session is being held on Monday 8 February, at 7pm. Any community sports-based organisations and clubs in the town are invited to attend to find out more about nominating a young person and accessing funding to become involved. The project focuses on making sure young people’s voices are heard, and it is vital that the young people put forward by the clubs are on board with the project.
Cllr Maxine Crawley adds: “As well as the obvious benefits of physical activity, Jump Start helps to improve confidence and self-esteem, develop new skills and increase aspirations. In the long term, the experiences, potential qualifications, and volunteering opportunities can help prepare for more positive futures and employment opportunities. I really hope lots of our local sports clubs will sign up to the session to learn more, as it is a great opportunity for both our young people and the sports clubs.”
There are so many advantages for young people becoming involved with the programme from enjoying having something constructive in their lives to engage with to feeling part of the community. For example, 14-year-old Morgan was finding it hard to stay in class and was spending a lot of time in detention. Since getting involved in with Jump Start, he has grown massively in confidence. He attends all sessions as a participant and is getting more skilled in his favourite activities, as well as developing his communication and leadership skills. His behaviour in school has also improved greatly.
To sign up for the free online information session on Monday 8 February at 7pm, go to http://bit.ly/JumpstartFrome
To find out more about SASP and how they work to increase the health and happiness of residents in Somerset please visit, www.sasp.co.uk/community-outreach
