CSP: Energize
Ex-offenders and those that are at risk of offending are often very inactive due to: finance, funds, access and confidence. Energize have specifically targeted a group of offenders with the hope of reducing the likelihood of reoffending by shifting their behaviour with the power of sport as well as giving them a unique opportunity to participate in sport.
Willowdene Farm opens their doors to ex-offenders and offers a rehabilitation placement for anyone to refer themselves to. We wanted to add a sports element to this rehabilitation and allow the service users to continue to access the sports club even after their placement finished.
Following on from the Sport England Insight we met with the 25 participants (18 years old and over) on the current programme and worked with them to design the best sports session possible, from the type of sport to the intensity, time and coach. Football was chosen and based on the preferred coach, local exit route and nature of the participants the ideal male role model was found to coach.
The club has been running for almost a year now and has shown a massive shift in behaviour for many of the service users. One has gone on to gain his level 1 and is supporting the coaching of the sessions as well as introducing new service users to the sessions. Others have a new found confidence which has led to them joining a sports club away from the football sessions or even build up the courage to take up gym membership at their local gym.
From the surveys we found that individual’s confidence improves, as did their attitude towards sport. They felt huge improvements in ability and fitness levels as well as a much closer bond with others taking part in the football.
The club has been funded on a seed approach for 2 years by Energize, but the business plan shows clear sustainability of the club, as the continued growth of participants as more service users join ensure that the income meets the expenditure after 2 years.
The club is based on Willowdene Farm where there is a small sports hall than is massively underused. We are working with Willowdene to increase this usage.