CSP: Herts Sport
The project officially started on 5th September 2016 following the employment of a Social Inclusion Boxing Development Officer. Sessions are delivered through Box Cleva, a charity which already has both a proven track record in this type of work and established links with boxing clubs across Hertfordshire.
Insight
The need to introduce a wellbeing project for youngsters in deprived areas was identified by a range of partners. Based on detailed insight from a successful pilot project and extensive consultation, additional funding totalling £128,000 was committed by 13 partner organisations. Key insights identified were:
- The Pilot Project resulted in a social return on investment of over £6.50 per £1.00 invested, calculated using the KICKZ model
- Stakeholders identified a gap in provision and desperate need for opportunities for disadvantaged and challenging young people
- The Youth Offending Team completed 50 questionnaires with youth offenders aged 7-15 who lived within a 10-mile radius of target areas. These indicated that 94% would take part in a boxing project
- Young people wanted easily accessible opportunities, in local community facilities, as opposed to larger facilities, due to financial constraints, time and travel
Targets
A tested formula used in a successful pilot boxing project to address three key identified outcomes amongst 7-15 year-olds in ten Hertfordshire Lower Super Output Area locations would result in:
- 50% increase in the self-confidence and self-esteem of young offenders
- 80% improvement in the physical and mental wellbeing of young offenders
- 35.5% reduction in the number of reported incidents of antisocial behaviour and crime
Key Features
- 90 minutes sessions for forty weeks per year to support mental and physical health
- Sessions led by qualified trainers, supported by assistant trainers
- Sessions include an educational element covering a range of subjects: resilience, coping strategies, healthy eating, positive citizenship and bullying and drug and alcohol awareness
- Training and development workshops for programme delivery team to increase their own knowledge, and effectively respond to questions from the participants
- Initiatives are linked to existing boxing clubs, providing sustainable pathways and progression into the main club as boxers or leaders
- Termly assessments and subsequent award presentations ensure that participants are always progressing towards their next award and developing self-reliance
- Referrals from schools, the police, Thriving Families anti-social behavior and youth justice teams
- Trainers are mostly from within their local communities and therefore become role models for the young people
Evaluation
Project evaluation uses a longitudinal study undertaken three times a year, to demonstrate how the outcomes are being met. Results for the first term provide base line information.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour Reduction
It is too early to establish the achievements against this goal. However, early indications are good with lots of positive comments that confirm weight loss, increased attendance at school, better behaviour and increased confidence.
- “Child A is no longer angry and aggressive due to taking his frustration out on the punch bag and listening to the trainer’s advice” mother
- “Girl B has confidence issues and after a couple of extra months she was no longer being bullied and started to make friends” social worker
- “My 14 year old son has lost nearly ten kilograms in just over 3 months. I know this is due to education sessions at Box Cleva classes and the increased physical activity of being inspired by the sport of boxing” dad
Term 1 Participant Attendance
- 1787 attendances. 157 participants have attended ten, eleven or twelve sessions; an average of 16 per session. The highest number at a single session is 23
- Of participants 82% are male and 24% are female
- 89% are white, 8% are mixed race and 3% represent other ethnicities
- Age group with highest participants is 7 to 10 and with lowest is 13 to 15
- One of the sessions has 23 attendees, all from within the travelling community
Wellbeing Feedback
Participants were asked ten questions relating to health, wellbeing and emotion. These will be included in every survey. At the end of the first term, base level responses provided the detail that has provided a benchmark for monitoring project success over the duration of the project.
Innovation
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Participant assessment is undertaken by the trainers at the end of each term. Each centre has been issued with a research IPad, loaded with SNAP survey software that can be centrally downloaded for analysis
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A bespoke parent and child / young person Year 1 workbook has been published as the basis for the educational element of the programme. This is a specially adapted version of the ‘Crucial Crew’ concept; a tried, tested and popular resource. This is used alongside educational conversations and games that are included in each session. Their effectiveness will be reviewed midway through Year 1
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Fresh fruit and water are provided free of charge at every session
Sustainability
The Boxing Development Officer has started to work with each of the ten link-clubs to help prepare them for Club Mark accreditation. Using a Club Mark checklist, he is helping them to identify and work towards bridging any gaps. Whilst a new concept to these clubs, it is being well received by those involved. They understand that good governance will help them to improve what they do and enable them to apply for appropriate funding pots to aid future sustainability.
For more information: Cally Cardines / c.cardines@herts.ac.uk / 01707 283249
CSPN Impact Awards Submission: Hertfordshire’s Big Hit: January 2017