GENERATIONS WORKING TOGETHER NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2014 Fitba4u Corsehill Codgers Intergenerational Project

Corsehill Codgers Background Partnership Project between North Ayrshire Council Community Development Team and Real Football for Youths Project is funded by Awards for All.

Corsehill Codgers Background The group meets once per week for a 2 hour session. Sessions include warm-ups, mobility exercises, control and movement and short football games of 2-3 minutes each way. Outcomes met by the group in terms of the Single Outcome Agreement are: Healthy and Active Learning and Taking Part For you and for Everyone Working Together

Corsehill Codgers Background The Project focusses on encouraging senior citizens to become more active, thereby improving their health and improving their range of motion. It is open to men and women of all abilities. Activities are tailored to suit each individual.

Corsehill Codgers Background Impact Statements from Participants: I have learned how to control my movements with and without the ball. I also feel a lot fitter and enjoy the course more each week. I feel I can achieve more each week. It is a very good course and I am enjoying it. I feel more confident about my own skills. Bernard Noone (senior participant) The Commitment from the elderly was fantastic and I can see them improving from week to week. David Crossan (young participant) Community Spirit has improved. Matthew Bell (senior participant)

Fitba4u Project Background The Project was created after an 18 month pilot programme with the Street-League Project came to an end. Street-League is a national Project whose vision is to transform the lives of disadvantaged men and women in the United Kingdom by using the power of sport. The Street League mission is to engage individuals, who are at risk of social exclusion, in a structured sports-based programme that builds on opportunities for participants to improve physical fitness, develop a better quality of life, acquire life skills and vocational qualifications. Withdrawal from North Ayrshire resulted in a gap in service provision therefore partner agencies devised a plan around setting up an alternative project.

Fitba4u Background Partner Agencies are: North Ayrshire Council Addiction Services North Ayrshire Council Housing Services NHS 1 st Alliance Credit Union Quarriers North Ayrshire Council Community Development A Partnership Agreement is drawn up for all partners to ensure roles and responsibilities are clear Project is funded by ADP (Ayrshire Drug Partnership)

Fitba4u Project Background The Project sets out to achieve engagement with service users over 16 years of age who are experiencing homelessness, are accessing mental health/addiction services or Criminal Justice Services to provide a structured sport, employability and health related programme that helps build confidence, improve health, extend social networks and develop skills, qualifications and goals moving forward towards part/full time employment, training or education.

Fitba4u Background The Group meets once per week for a 3 hour session and each session consists of an input on a relative topic decided on by the participants such as: Mental/Physical Wellbeing Employability Financial Management Welfare Reform Fire Safety/Emergency Services Internet Safety The group then undertake a one hour fitness session which includes a warm-up, bleep test, circuit training followed by one a one hour sporting related activity of football or gym session.

NEXT STEPS Our next steps in line with the ethos of Intergenerational Practice is to work with each group to challenge attitudes and behaviours – not only with regard to the different generations, but about the whole stigma surrounding Mental Health and Addictions and the difficulties these subsequently cause to individuals and the wider community. Once this initial process has been completed, we will bring both groups together for an introductory/icebreaker session. From there, both groups will agree objectives, develop an educational programme that sets common goals and creates an environment where all participants feel comfortable and have a greater awareness of the challenges that face other participants. The Project will be regularly monitored and reviewed by all partners over the coming months and adjustments made where necessary to ensure all needs are met.

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