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A groundbreaking local scheme that has helped hundreds of youngsters and adults to learn new sporting skills and realise their full positive potential has today scooped a prestigious Government award.
The Babergh Be Active Project has won a Beacon Award in the category of ‘Culture and Sport for hard-to-reach groups’. Government assessors were fulsome in their praise, saying that they were “greatly impressed by the clarity of the council’s vision, the enthusiasm and ability of its staff and the first hand evidence of the council’s programmes making a real difference to the lives of vulnerable people”.
The Be Active Project began in 2002 and has since expanded to offer over 50 courses for both residents with disabilities and youngsters who may be at risk of sliding into anti-social behaviour and crime. The overall aim of each of the courses is to help participants gain new confidence, learn new skills and channel their energies and enthusiasm in a positive direction.
Recent examples of schemes organised by Babergh’s Be Active team and their partner organisations include the Swim & Gym Excluded Pupil Programme at the Kingfisher Leisure Centre which aimed at guiding pupils with behavioural problems to improve their well being through access to swimming and fitness facilities. Another example is the late night basketball courses which were held in 2005 at Great Cornard Sports Centre for 13 -19 year olds providing new and positive diversionary activities for local youngsters.
Be Active also supports local clubs and activity providers such as the Woolverstone Sailing Project at Alton water, who provide sailing opportunities for disabled adults.
Research suggests that the Project is already having a direct impact on reducing crime. For example, work with a number of youngsters who had Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABC) requiring them to attend sports courses has resulted in crime in certain areas falling by 93%! The scheme, therefore, contributes to reducing the cost of crime to Council Taxpayers as it is estimated that every Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO), which may be sought once an ABC has been breached, costs £4000 to administer.
In addition, the Project has encouraged over 20 new volunteers to help provide local activities and a further 20 new coaches have been supported through qualification programmes, with five individuals gaining disability coaching qualifications.
Sue Wigglesworth, Chairman of Babergh District Council was delighted at the recognition that the Project has now received. “We have shown how much can be achieved by a small council with modest resources when it works with a range of partners in offering positive opportunities to more vulnerable residents”.
Greg Cooper, who heads up the Project added that “we will now be spreading the message to other councils and sporting bodies as to how they can improve the life chances of residents and contribute to reducing crime and anti-social behaviour”.
More information on the Beacon Award.
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