AN INSPIRING initiative which helps young people in Rugby is expanding its work in the borough thanks to a double funding boost.
Rugby Borough Council’s (RBC) On Track team has secured £115,000 to help it expand its sporting and mental health support programmes.
Launched in 2013, On Track works in schools, youth clubs and communities across Rugby, running structured sport and recreational sessions, mentoring programmes and workshops dealing with issues which affect young people.
The team hosts weekly sessions at youth clubs in Brownsover, Long Lawford and Overslade, and designs and delivers education programmes for school pupils who face barriers to learning, with the aim of keeping them in mainstream education.
On Track’s trained sports coaches, youth workers and mentors have also developed strategies to help pupils deal with complex issues such as bullying, low self-esteem, aggression and concerns over mental health.
The service has been awarded £62,850 from the National Lottery’s Million Hours Fund – meaning the team can now provide additional activities for young people to help combat anti-social behaviour in the borough over the next two years.
Weekly sessions also include social development and awareness programmes to improve young people’s social skills.
On Track has also secured two-year funding of £52,200 from the Mental Health Inequalities Fund to launch a new project which aims to improve the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.
Working across the borough, the project offers support to young people and families, addressing a wide range of mental health problems, including anger management, anxiety, low self-esteem and confidence.
On Track co-ordinator Kevin Brookes said mental health was an increasingly important part of the team’s work, both in schools and the community.
He said: “Many young people experience a range of challenges which, once identified in schools or community organisations, lead to a referral to On Track.
“Once referred, the team can then start the process of building trust with the young person and work from there.
“While participation in sport has long-proven benefits for mental health and wellbeing, we often work with young people who need additional support and guidance to overcome complex issues.
“By building trust, we can start the process of working together to unpick the issues and identify alternative, positive pathways which support young people’s mental wellbeing and empower every individual to reach their full potential.”
Coun Maggie O’Rourke, RBC’s spokesperson for partnerships and wellbeing, welcomed the new funding.
She said: “Sport not only benefits physical and mental wellbeing, but also teaches important values such as team work, discipline and dedication.
“On Track uses the power of sport to support children and young people, with participation in one-to-one or team sessions often the first step towards starting conversations about the challenges young people often face, including bullying, anger management, anxiety and low self-esteem.
“The On Track team delivers both nationally recognised courses and self-developed programmes, and we’re delighted the team’s work has been supported by these external grants totalling £115,000.”
Coun Neil Sandison, the council’s Liberal Democrat spokesperson for partnerships and wellbeing, added: “Over the last ten years, On Track has provided positive engagement and pathways for young people and I’m delighted the team has secured additional funding to carry on the great work they do in the community.”
Visit www.rugby.gov.uk/ontrack for more information about On Track.
