In Spring 2019, Jim MacLachlan from TMBSS in Sundorne, Shrewsbury (a pupil referral unit that offers educational support for young people with medical and behavioural issues) with support from Energize established a new after-school cycling club.
Jim works for the school and recognised a need for cycling provision to support the mental and physical wellbeing of a select group of pupils. He is extremely passionate about working with people struggling with mental health and has been delighted to see the positive effect this once a week club has had on all those involved.
Some of the quotes from the young peope, involved:
“Everyone in the group is really helpful and supportive”
“I feel so much closer to all of my friends because of the club”
“I have never liked ‘sport’ but here, I don’t feel like I'm being judged or anyone is competing with me”
“I am saving up and will one day buy my own bike – it’s going to be the best thing to spend my money on”
"I never thought I would be able to ride a bike, let alone do some of the things I am doing now”
“Cycling has helped me deal with exam stress. I have dealt with the pressure far better than I thought I would”
“Thanks to the coach, I have now been able to get my first ever bike so that I can ride to college every day”
“Cycling makes my problems not seem as bad”
In order to see the real impact of new satellite clubs, Joe Lockley, Engagement Manager - Youth and Community at Energize, uses individual questionnaires to see how participants are feeling before the club starts are after 4 months.
The results speak for themselves…
1. Do you complete 1 hour of activity a day?
Before: 27%
After 4 months: 100%
2. I can mostly get my ideas across to a range of people and work in a team
Before: 37.5%
After 4 months: 100%
3. I believe in myself most of the time
Before: 37.5% After 4 months: 75%