Inspiring Futures
Our Health and Wellbeing Projects
Our Health and Wellbeing Projects
‘Inspiring Futures’ is a targeted intervention programme which uses Rugby League as a catalyst to engage young people aged 11 to 14 in crime prevention education. Rugby League Foundations deliver the project within their local authority area, promoting positive, aspirational messages to large groups of young people through to targeted interventions for those identified as high risk of engaging in crime.
The study explores the impact of mentoring young people through sports activities, focusing on improving their behaviour and overall well-being. Delivered by professional Rugby League coaches, the programme combines classroom learning with practical sports activities to foster growth and development.
Participants engage in a 12-week mentoring programme that includes:
Short Term: From the initial work with participants in schools, the programme delivery will focus on activities which will help to improve the wellbeing, resilience and confidence of the pupils. This will lead to an increased ability to form positive social relationships, recognise and react to mental fitness concerns, raise awareness of risky behaviours and have an enhanced attitude towards the value of education.
Medium term: If pupils engage fully in the programme, the planned activities will facilitate improvements in their engagement with education creating an improved outlook on their purpose and aspirations. Alongside this they will see mental and physical wellbeing improve, with a reduction in risky, anti-social or criminal behaviour including smoking and alcohol use.
Long term: Graduates of the IF programme will gain the motivation and life skills required to sustain their engagement with education, avoiding the potential to become a NEET. This will reduce the risk of re-offending or engaging with more serious criminal behaviours. They will be more prepared to form healthy and positive relationships and avoid escalated smoking, alcohol and drug use.
If you have any further questions regarding the Inspiring Futures programme, please contact Dane Weatherill