Recognition for Cheltenham Town Community Trust
Summary
Cheltenham Town Community Trust has been recognised by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Gloucestershire for its outstanding contribution to the success of the My Future pilot programme, supporting young people at risk of involvement in serious violence.
Details
At a special presentation held at Cheltenham Town Football Club, the Trust was presented with a Certificate of Achievement by Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Chris Nelson and Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Nick Evans, in recognition of its role in the creation, implementation and delivery of the innovative programme.
The My Future pilot was designed to support boys aged 14 to 16 who had been permanently excluded from mainstream education and had experienced contact with the criminal justice system. Developed as part of Gloucestershire’s Violence Prevention Plan, the programme aimed to help young people develop positive identities, improve their wellbeing and explore pathways into education, volunteering and employment.
Cheltenham Town Community Trust worked alongside Gloucestershire Police and a range of local organisations, including The Music Works, Gloucestershire Youth Justice Service, Gloucestershire Constabulary, Gloucester Rugby Charitable Foundation, Wiggly Charity and many other partners, to co-design and deliver the youth violence prevention pilot.
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Through the programme, the Trust supported 16 young people identified as being at risk of involvement in serious violence. Using football as a positive engagement tool, participants took part in coaching sessions, leadership activities, mentoring, mental health workshops and accredited learning opportunities designed to build confidence, resilience and essential life skills.
To promote a sense of belonging and pride in the programme, every participant received a full Cheltenham Town FC tracksuit. Young people also achieved the FA EE Playmaker qualification, equipping them with coaching skills and creating pathways into volunteering, further education and future employment.
The Trust’s contribution was recognised with a certificate stating it had provided “outstanding support in the creation, implementation and delivery of the project”. Chris Nelson, Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire , said: “I would like to thank everyone at Cheltenham Town for their support and involvement in the My Future project.
You have many calls on your time so it was brilliant that you were willing to give so much to help these young men fulfil their potential and find hope for their future. “I am incredibly proud of the teamwork and effort that went into delivering this complex pilot.
Report source: Punchline Gloucester