LOCAL leisure provider LiveWire, in partnership with YMCA St Helens, has launched a 2-phase project aimed at helping young people aged 12-18 years get “Back on Track” by discussing any issues in their lives that are impacting their well-being.
The project, called Back on Track, aims to break the cycle of negativity and apathy by using sport and positive activities to help young people develop sustainable pathways to a happier, healthier, and more prosperous future.
The first phase of the project is designed to build trust and engagement among young people, laying the foundation for more substantial outcomes in Phase 2. This phase includes one-to-one mentoring sessions, a listening service, and group activity sessions that incorporate boxing, circuit training, multi-sports, and racquet sports.
The mentoring sessions will involve a qualified sports coach and an activity chosen by the young person. Activities available include tennis, table tennis, badminton, gym sessions, squash, media skills, music, photography, and football skills.
The listening service which is run by YMCA is targeted towards young people with low-level mental health issues and will provide up to 8 one-hour sessions with a qualified counsellor.
The group sessions aim to provide young people with opportunities to socialise with their peers, establish positive relationships, and develop new skills and hobbies. The sessions will take place at local leisure facilities that are familiar to the young people, and they will be led by a qualified sports coach and a team of assistants and volunteers.
Livewire will work closely with schools, housing trusts, the police, and community safety partnership, youth justice/youth offending service, local groups/clubs, and sports clubs to ensure the project’s success. Livewire’s youth sport and mentoring project is a valuable and much-needed initiative that offers young people a safe space to discuss their issues and challenges while providing them with the tools and opportunities to become better versions of themselves.
Paul Flannery, Community Sports Development Manager, said: “This project has the potential to make a significant difference in the lives of young people in Warrington who are struggling with negative experiences and emotions.
“By using sport, positive activities, and mentoring, Livewire’s youth sport, listening and mentoring project can break the cycle of negativity and apathy, giving young people the opportunity to develop the skills, confidence, and resilience they need to build a happier, healthier, and more prosperous future.”
Back on Track spaces are via referral. Please contact [email protected] in the first instance.
1 Comment
What a fantastic project. Here’s hoping its huge success.