We are seeking funding to further develop the Weights & Cakes Barbell Club, supporting children and young people (C&YP) aged 8-18 to achieve their full potential. The Club focus on activities promoting wellbeing, teamwork and citizenship using the medium of Olympic Weightlifting. We specialise in engaging C&YP living in deprived communities across Sunderland experiencing rising levels of household poverty and significant daily challenges e.g low educational engagement, poor health (36.7% are overweight by Year 5, 24.8% considered obese by Year 6) and high levels of youth antisocial behaviour with police calling to divert children “at risk of adopting criminal lifestyles”. Social isolation and bullying are also commonplace, leaving children withdrawn and suffering from negative mental health. C&YP have been affected by the reduction of out-of-school activities due to austerity. We address these challenges and more through positive and meaningful youth activity through weightlifing

What we'll deliver:

• club memberships/scholarships
• equipment for athletes
• coaching costs
• run a local competition
• snacks, drinks

Why it's a great idea:

Our benefits are diverse - by engaging vulnerable children in weightlifting, we are able to improve their mental health, social skills, fitness levels and improve their outlook/ambition/goals as they progress through childhood. Our experience of running services for C&YP to date shows that we are more than just a weightlifting club. The C&YP who engage with us benefit holistically - we support them in all aspects of their lives. Our children are able to come to the club as a safe space, something not readily available to them in some cases. They can access counselling, signposting to other services, enjoy snacks/drinks and learn a sport with coaching from experienced and passionate coaches who love their spot. C&YP will have the opportunity to progress in their chosen sport, engage with like-minded peers, create lifelong friendships and have the opportunity to compete not only locally but regionally and nationally.

Steps to get it done:

• increase members by building relationships with schools, TFC, youth schemes
• working with other providers to offer our service to their clients (The Link, Schools, Youth groups, Boxing club)
• Hold and host regular weightlifting competitions in sunderland

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEV1VFXFGNZmzgjWEBSDgxQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR2vJXsd70JafwqErMfSCJwUT9IWjsgNrt3sxqTQqq9WvufmPJcROYf8Abw&v=PJAHEnqQ2tE&feature=youtu.be