Goods For Good is proud to partner with Herts Sport Partnership (HSP) and Apex 360 to deliver a transformative initiative in Hertfordshire as part of the national Multiply campaign. This campaign is aimed at boosting confidence with numbers among diverse communities, specifically helping adults aged 19 and over who do not have a qualification in Level 2 Maths/Numeracy or equivalent.
The collaboration between HSP and Apex 360 has resulted in a unique approach to delivering the Multiply campaign, particularly for the residents of a contingency hotel* in Hertfordshire. Recognising the profound impact that sports and physical activity can have on mental and physical well-being, Apex 360 initiated a football and numeracy project for the residents of the contingency hotel, many of whom were experiencing poor health due to inactivity and isolation.
By blending sports activities with numeracy lessons, this initiative provides a holistic approach to learning and well-being. The project combines physical exercise, which helps improve mental and physical health, with practical numeracy education, designed to enhance everyday life skills and boost confidence. This dual focus addresses both the immediate health needs of the residents as well as equipping them with essential skills for their future educational and employment opportunities.
The Need
Living in a contingency hotel can present numerous challenges that significantly impact an individual's ability to integrate into the community and maintain good mental health. These hotels are often used to temporarily house people facing emergencies, such as refugees, asylum seekers, or those displaced by crises. The environment and circumstances within these hotels can lead to feelings of isolation, uncertainty, and stress.
It quickly became apparent that many of the hotel residents lacked the proper attire to safely engage in these activities. Participants were found playing football in bare feet and wearing inappropriate clothing such as jeans, which hindered their ability to fully participate and benefit from the sessions. This is where Goods For Good stepped in, playing a crucial role in the success of the project. By delivering the sportswear needed, we enabled residents to safely and comfortably take part in the activities, allowing them to fully engage with and benefit from the sessions.
The Impact
The impact of our contributions has been substantial. With proper sportswear, individuals could fully engage in the sessions, enhancing their experience and maximising the benefits of the project. By providing suitable clothing and footwear, Goods For Good ensured that all participants could engage fully in the sessions. This support not only facilitated physical activity but also contributed to the overall effectiveness of the program by removing barriers that could have otherwise hindered residents' participation and enjoyment.
Working in partnership with several of Hertfordshire’s Contingency Hotels which are currently housing Asylum Seekers and Refugees, or via a local CIC to reach young people in Stevenage we have supported over 700 people. The individuals who have actively participated, have shown marked improvements in both their physical fitness and numeracy skills. The positive changes observed among the participants demonstrates the importance of having the right resources to support community initiatives.
As we continue to support this initiative, we look forward to seeing more success stories emerge from the Multiply project. Through our contributions, we remain committed to helping individuals overcome challenges and realise their ambitions, proving that with the right support, everyone has the potential to thrive.
Sport For Good
In 2021, we launched our Sport For Good initiative, dedicated to uplifting vulnerable communities by providing essential sportswear, clothing, and footwear. Since then the initiative has played a crucial role in empowering individuals by removing barriers to participation in physical activities. Our partnership with HSP, which began in the same year, has flourished, enabling us to support various sports-based programs such as the Fit, Fed and Read holiday camps, which are designed to engage children and young people in physical activities, ensuring they stay active, nourished, and literate during the holidays. To find out more about the impact of our Sport For Good initiative, click the link below.
* Contingency accommodation is used to accommodate single, adult male asylum seekers.
In order to protect our recipients' identities, in some instances the names and photos used are not real. Image credit: Ahmed and Yunus Tug via Unsplash
Many of the individuals we support through often find themselves isolated and overwhelmed by the challenges they face. By collaborating with us, you have the opportunity to make a profound impact on the well-being of these individuals. Our Humanitarian Aid Partnership is a network of organisations that support and transforms lives.
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