Birimingham based charity Sport Birmingham are set to launch M.A.D Birningham. a youth engagement programme which uses sport to tackle social issues.
Young people from some of Birmingham’s most disadvantaged communities will have the chance to flourish thanks to a funding boost from Big Lottery and Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
M.A.D Birmingham is a new programme managed by Sport Birmingham. It offers support and activities to 11-18 year olds and aims to boost the skills and life chances of young people living in disadvantaged areas
M.A.D which stands for Make a Difference also provides young people with new opportunities to get involved in their communities, support their personal development and get the skills and confidence they need in the long term.
Backed by Birmingham City Council, The M.A.D programme facilitates work in Nechells, Stechford and Perry Barr through a team of Youth and Sport Engagement Officers, and in partnership with organisations including Nechells Wellbeing Centre, Holford Drive Community Sports Hub and FITCAP.
Key outcomes of the programme include boosting the aspirations of young people whilst preventing crime and anti social behaviour and promoting social inclusion and community cohesion.
West Midlands Police Superintendent Keith Fraser said "This is a cutting edge initiative by Sport Birmingham, working with grassroots organisations and other to use the power Sport to improve the life chances of young people. Focused support for those who need it, to help build healthy, prosperous and safer communities”
The M.A.D programme includes a van load of activities and resources for music production, video filming and editing, games consoles and sports equipment. They offer a host of opportunities, including street soccer, badminton, table tennis and much more.
Young people that engage with the project can work with dedicated youth engagement officers, to develop personalised programmes of activity and opportunities, as well as gain access support in a wide range of areas.
The Grand Launch of the M.A.D project will take place on Saturday 23rd September 2017, at Nechells Wellbeing Centre, B7 5DR from 12 – 4pm. Young people (aged 11-18) and members of the community are welcome to get involved and free transport is being arranged from Stechford and Perry Barr. Community focused organisations are also encouraged to bring a group for a day out or book a free stand to promote their activities. Find out more by calling Jeavon Nicely on 073755 69629 or visiting www.sportbirmingham.org.
ENDS
Contact info
Check out our website www.sportbirmingham.org/madbirmingham
Follow us on twitter www.twitter.com/madbirmingham
Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/madbirmingham
Call MAD Project Team on 0121 296 5190
Referrals
MAD Project is open to referrals from private, statutory and community organisations as well as self-referrals.
If you are a referral agency please visit www.sportbirmingham.org
Background info
The Youth Investment Fund has distributed £40 million to boost the skills and life chances of young people living in disadvantaged areas. The money is set to benefit 300,000 young people, providing new opportunities for them to get involved in their communities, support their personal development and get the skills and confidence they need to enter the workplace.
Sport Birmingham has received £634,728 of this funding for the 3-year project, the largest amount funded to an organisation in Birmingham.
The Youth Investment Fund – made up of government and National Lottery players money from the Big Lottery Fund – will be shared by 86 youth organisations in East London, Liverpool City Region, West Midlands, Tees Valley and Sunderland, Bristol & Somerset and Eastern Counties over next three years.
Notes to editor
For additional images or information please contact Adeel Khan on adeel.khan@sportbirmingham.org or 07587034781