The HAF programme went above and beyond in supporting more than 50 young leaders across Essex and Thurrock at Essex ActivAte clubs this summer, offering young people opportunities to enhance their life skills and knowledge for future employment.
Essex ActivAte takes pride in working with trusted community organisations across the county, who previously expressed their interest in using skills that the young people attending HAF clubs developed through the activities they provide. After some conversations, The Leaders in Training (LIT) programme was successfully piloted across the summer HAF programme.
Young people gained valuable experience in community sport settings through the LIT programme, such as leadership and teamworking skills, helping to build their confidence to support their physical and mental wellbeing.
Participants were given a support booklet to journal their experience and provide feedback, as well as access free, online resources with information on training, free courses, safeguarding support and more. Each young leader also received branded merchandise and a certificate on completion, along with a written reference for future employment opportunities.
Connor, a young leader who helped support Time For Change Kids holiday club in Harlow explained:
“Being a young leader has been pretty cool. I got to look after the kids, help make their lunch, play the games, it was pretty good! Completing the workbook was a challenge but my mum helped me to fill it in – it was a great experience overall!”
Time for Change Kids go above and beyond to support children through the HAF programme, by offering new activities that they have never tried before. This summer, they supported the LIT programme and set individual goals and targets for their young leaders, and Connor had clear targets and was eager to help support the club!
Time For Change Kids told us:
“As the summer progressed, Connor took to his new found leadership role and really embraced it! The children began to look to Connor as an adult due to his responsibilities. Connor has always been told that he isn’t capable of doing things; this summer he proved he was capable of more than he even knew he was. He met every target, he loved the challenges, he worked extremely hard and the achievement he felt was evident! He made some new friends with our other young leaders and they have all said they would like to keep in touch! This has meant the impact will last longer than just the summer as Connor has made lasting friendships with his peers which is so important to him and us as a family.”
Due to the success of the HAF programme, John from the Department for Education also visited ATF Millhouse to see the holiday club in action and speak to young leaders about their experiences.
Another young leader, Alisha, told us:
“ATF helped me build up my confidence by showing me that I shouldn’t be afraid of what people think of me! The coaches are role models and an ambition I would like to work towards being in the future!”
Looking forward, the LIT programme plans to expand and offer accredited training to support young leaders with future employment, as well as offer social opportunities for young people to come together as a group for additional support and friendship-building. Active Essex also look to involve them in various events and work experience opportunities across the sport and physical activity sector next year.
Find out more about the LIT programme here.
Discover more about the Essex ActivAte programme here.
