Leeds Rhinos star Stevie Ward and Leeds Rhinos Foundation are launching a new project that will aim to support young men to learn new skills, grow in confidence and gain employment.
The Mantality project has been created by Ward and Leeds Rhinos Foundation and will be aimed at supporting and assisting young men, aged 15-18 years-old, who are not currently in education, employment or training. The free 12-week project will be delivered in Leeds communities and participants will be able to develop their personal skills, mental resilience and physical wellbeing with the aim of increasing future employment opportunities.
Ward, who launched his Mantality magazine in 2016 to inspire the everyday male to live a more comprehensive version of themselves; with their mind to be the first point of address, has worked with Leeds Rhinos Foundation staff to devise the project, which he sees as a natural extension of the Mantality concept.
"I'm honoured to be able to have a part in this programme," said Ward. "This age range is specifically something which I'm hoping to have an impact on. There's lots of things I've learnt in the last few years which I wish I could have known back when I was that age. For me, it's about providing the conditions and support which can put a youngster on a learning curve so they can progress and become happier in what they're doing. This is a massive opportunity for me to be able to do this."
Each week the groups will work together on a different topic focusing on wellbeing and personal development. Sessions will split between classroom and physical activities. The aim of the project is to demonstrate how different skills can be transferred whilst supporting and developing the young person's CV, interpersonal skills and development of positive employability traits.
The project is being funded by Leeds Youth Pathways and fits with Leeds Rhinos Foundation's mission to change lives through sport.
Dan Busfield, Partnership Manager at Leeds Rhinos Foundation said: "his programme is a unique opportunity for young men to work with a homegrown role model such as Stevie Ward to help motivate, inspire and focus them on a path to employment as well as promoting a positive mental and physical wellbeing.
"We are thrilled to be working alongside Stevie and are lucky to have his passion and enthusiasm as an advocate for mental health."
The programme is eligible to men aged 15-18 years old who are not in employment, education or training (NEET) or are at risk of being NEET.
There will be an opportunity for a meet and greet for young people and staff involved in the project prior to attending the weekly sessions. There are two course venues available to make sure the work is specific to local communities, please specify which on your referral.
Mondays at Middleton Leisure Centre
Meet and greet – 11th September (times to be confirmed on receipt of referral)
Programme start date 18th September, 10am – 12noon
Wednesdays at New Wortley Community Centre
Meet and greet – 13th September (times to be confirmed on receipt of referral)
Programme start date 20th September, 10am – 12noon
Referrals for these cohorts will close on the 1st September 2017. For more information or to discuss a referral please get in touch with the team at mantality@leedsrhinosfoundation.org or download a referral by CLICKING HERE.
Stevie Ward is also bringing guys together through an online community at mantalitymagazine.com if you want to be a part of it, stay in the loop here.