Dozens of young people in South East Northumberland are being given a sporting chance to improve their self-confidence and wellbeing thanks to a four-figure grant from North East employer, the Banks Group.
The £5,000 grant is enabling the Newcastle Rugby Foundation to support delivery at the Bede and Blyth Academies of Rugby+ Futures, an exciting and transformative initiative aimed at helping disadvantaged young people aged 15 and over throughout the North East region.
This ground-breaking programme, pioneered by former Newcastle Falcons, England and Lions rugby legend Tony Underwood, alongside coach Lysa Morrison and former Olympian Chris Cook, is designed to inspire emotional intelligence, resilience and self-belief in young people.
By equipping participants with these essential ‘power skills,’ the Futures Programme seeks to empower them to achieve their full potential and become confident individuals ready to take on the world.
The programme is specifically tailored to support the development of mental wellbeing and social confidence. A combination of engaging activities and insightful discussions will help participants build a stronger sense of self and improve their ability to navigate social situations, all while boosting their resilience and self-esteem.
Banks Group’s involvement in the Futures Programme aligns with its core values of care, collaboration and commitment to the communities it serves. As a business that has long prioritised leaving a positive legacy on the environment and local communities, this partnership exemplifies Banks Group’s dedication to making a meaningful impact.
By investing in the personal development of young people, Banks Group is helping to lay the foundation for a generation of resilient, self-assured individuals who are ready to thrive in both life and their future careers.
A participant on the Futures programme said: “I thought Futures was quite helpful in emotional management and helping young people to control themselves and their emotions so they don’t end up hurting themselves or others. It is also quite inspiring in my opinion, as I am quite a people driven person, so other people being happy brings up my mood too.”
Dr Sams, from Bede Academy, said: “I just wanted to say a huge thank you for all you have done to help these students. The programme is fantastic, but the way you have delivered it has made it so memorable and worthwhile for the students. I am sure it will have a lasting impact on them.”
Jamilah Hassan, community relations manager at the Banks Group, added: “This is a fantastic community programme that builds on all the positive characteristics that are so central to rugby.
“It will have both immediate and long-term benefits for all the local young people involved, and we are proud to be supporting Newcastle Rugby Foundation’s drive towards helping young people in South East Northumberland build brighter futures for themselves.”
This project has been supported by a grant from County Durham Community Foundation.
For more information about the Futures programme please contact jake.vandervelde@newcastle-falcons.co.uk .
