The idea
With young people up to the age of 24yrs transitioning through the resettlement centres, from the Home Office to the local authority centres, then into foster care or semi-independent living. Running regular cricket sessions at each stage of the transitioning journey, can and will provide the only constant and familiar activity to help ease the feeling of displacement and start to address and support the needed process of healing and recovery from the journey to the UK. The programme will include a range of activities such as coaching, training with coaching certification courses and introductions to some of the 260 cricket clubs in the county will provide rounded support and opportunities to aid and complement the work of the Home Office, local authorities and community organisations. Playing a sport that the refugee and asylum-seeking community have a passion for, has evidenced benefits, including a positive impact on mental health, improve mood and decrease depression and anxiety.
What we'll deliver
- Accessible community cricket coaching sessions
- ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) (England and Wales Cricket Board) coaching courses and qualifications
- Access to watch local and county cricket,
- Make connection with local cricket clubs
Why it's a great idea
• Support and develop participant's physical and mental well-being.
For those uprooted by conflict and persecution, access to sport is an opportunity to be included and protected, which aids in the journey to heal and grow from the trauma experienced.
• Enhance community cohesion.
Bringing the refugee and asylum-seeking communities together in provide regular social opportunities with not only the Afghanistan communities, as well as with the local community through the connections with the local cricket clubs which aids integration.
A part of the programme will include opportunities to watch the Kent Cricket team play at the County Cricket Ground, bringing both supported families as well as young adults together and provide a familiar feeling of community.
• Access to learning.
The sessions not only will focus on cricket, but they also provide an opportunity to support English language development with progression to cricket coaching qualifications.
Steps to get it done
- Support and develop participant's physical and mental well-being
- Enhance community cohesion
- Access to learning
