Written by GreaterSport
Introduction
Throughout 2021 we worked with partners on the Young People Forward project funded by The London Marathon Charitable Trust, to improve the health and wellbeing of young homeless people across Greater Manchester through access to physical activity and mentoring.
We took a different approach to this programme and went where young people already were, as opposed to supporting an organisation to recruit participants. We contacted a number of organisations across GM who we knew were working with young homeless people, who would benefit from this project. Once the organisation was on board with the programme, we consulted with the young people to find out what sport or activity they would like to do. The project was designed in Greater Manchester to find young people who live in alternative housing – such as care experienced young people – and listen to their voices, opinions and thoughts on physical activity, sport and movement.
Using data and insight, we identified the top boroughs in the GM region who have the highest levels of youth homelessness. After contacting youth workers/staff that work directly with young people, it was requested to consult and engage the young people to find out which sport or activity they would like to do, the barriers they feel there are and how we remove them to help they enjoy the project. Each consultation, in different boroughs, reflected a different idea and thirst for a variety of activity. We additionally asked the young people, which type of mentoring they would like and how help them co-design the project to suit their needs – to increase retention and participation.
To date we have engaged 94 young people across Bury, Manchester, Salford and Wigan in a variety of projects and activities including yoga, football and walking. Our aim was engage young people in further mentoring support, also designed by the young people to benefit their growth, development and skills. Mentoring included traineeships and qualifications, mental health and well-being, employability skills, money management, healthy eating and housing options – “next steps”.
This short brochure provides insight into the partners involved, what we did and the difference the programme is making.