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B - Sport

Bridges were granted funding in 2023 to roll out activity /wellbeing improvement opportunities for young people living in kinship care and their family members.

Unlike foster care placements, kinship carers do not qualify for a statutory payment from government to help care for their families’ children and because of this many suffer financial hardship which impacts their ability to provide exercise/ activity opportunities for the young people in their care.

Funding from Sport England was very well received and much appreciated allowing many of our children to have positive life opportunities or try out sports they would be otherwise unable to. It also offered respite for carers many of whom are of retirement age and struggle with their own health issues.

Many of the sessions that were undertaken had to be tailored for the young people participating as many are diagnosed with Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder, autism, ADHD and all have suffered life trauma. Many of our young people have sensory processing disorders or struggle in large groups so again sessions were altered to suit their individual needs. (1 to 1 sessions, venue reducing noise, special educational needs time slots)

Activities 

SWIMMING, HORSE RIDING, BASKETBALL, TABLE TENNIS, GYM SESSIONS , MARTIAL ARTS, ICE SKATING,  GYMNASTICS, STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE TRAINING, FOOTBALL, WELLBEING WALKS, WEIGHT TRAINING,  SENSORY THERAPUTIC ACTIVITIES, BIKE RIDING, BOXING AND DANCE/ PERFORMING ARTS

so instructors have been mindful of making provision for these children.

Kinship carer's have reported a range of health improvements in the young people having taken part in the programme which are listed below: -

Improved Physical Fitness

  • Weight Loss

  • Formed friendships (peer support)

  • Reduced Stress levels

  • Built up confidence

  • Improvements in mental health

  • Promoted social inclusion for “kinship kids “

  • Helped strengthen  muscles and improve  flexibility

  • Provided a safe space for young people to express emotions

  • Promoted bond between carer and young person

  • Improved self esteem

  • Allowed young person to feel part of community

  • Opportunities for children in kinship care to try new activities

The program has been a huge success and the aim of improving young peoples physical/ mental health issues using activities as a platform has been met.

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