Hey there! 👋 We’re excited to share with you the amazing work we’re doing in Camden through the Go London Foundation. Our project is all about making a positive impact on the lives of young people, especially those from the LGBTQIA+ community. Let’s dive into how we’re using the Theory of Change framework to guide our efforts and create lasting change.
Context
Camden is a vibrant borough with a rich history, but it also faces significant socio-economic challenges. Poverty, mental health concerns, and housing insecurity are just a few of the issues that create barriers to accessing sports and physical activities. The LGBTQIA+ community here has been particularly affected, with many local queer venues closing down, impacting social spaces and support networks.
Case for Support
Why do we need this project? Well, young people in Camden and Greater London face numerous barriers that limit their access to physical activity and mental well-being support. Economic hardship, abuse, and homelessness are amplified for LGBTQIA+ youth. Traditional sports clubs often lack inclusivity, especially for women and LGBTQIA+ youth. Our project aims to fill this crucial gap by offering a safe, structured environment that promotes inclusivity and supports both physical and mental well-being.
Project Objectives
Our project has clear and SMART objectives:
- Engage Vulnerable Youth: We aim to engage 50 participants aged 16-24 over one year, specifically those affected by mental health challenges, domestic violence, homelessness, or identifying as LGBTQIA+. All sessions will be free to remove financial barriers.
- Improve Well-Being: We will deliver two weekly martial arts sessions, combining fitness, self-defence, and mindfulness. We aim for 20% retention of new participants over six months, supporting mental health through meditation and philosophy.
- Create Safe, Inclusive Space: We will provide a welcoming, supportive environment, focusing on LGBTQIA+ youth, with a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination. Three committee members will complete our stringent safeguarding training within 12 months.
- Build Long-Term Resilience: Participants will progress through belt ranks and gain emotional regulation skills through stress management and breathing techniques. We will also foster community through WhatsApp groups, seminars, and post-class socials.
- Measure Impact: We will track attendance and gather feedback quarterly via surveys and interviews, reviewing the data to improve the program.
Resources to Deliver
To make this project a reality, we require:
- Experienced Instructors: Volunteer instructors will deliver high-quality martial arts and self-defence sessions.
- Peer Mentors: Under-25 members will assist with outreach and support during sessions, acting as relatable role models.
- Martial Arts Gear: Uniforms will be provided to the young people, ensuring all participants can safely engage without financial barriers.
- First Aid Supplies: Available at our venue to ensure safety during all activities.
- Committee Training: Committee members will receive safeguarding training and instructor insurance, all funded by the grant.
- Data Storage: We will continue using secure systems to safeguard young people’s personal information.
- Marketing: Social media campaigns targeted on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, and printed materials distributed at community centres and LGBTQIA+ spaces.
Activities
Our activities include:
- Weekly Martial Arts Sessions: Held every Thursday and Sunday, combining intense fitness training with practical self-defence techniques and mindfulness practices.
- Wrap-Around Support: Grading for belts, ongoing support through seminars, and community-building activities.
- Marketing Campaigns: Social media ads and printed materials to promote the sessions to underserved young people across London.
Outputs
We will deliver up to 90 martial arts sessions, aimed at engaging 50 people aged 16-24. Each class will blend fitness training using pads and equipment provided by our venue. Core costs cover the venue hire while our instructors volunteer their time for free. We expect that at least 20% of participants will convert to obtain a yellow belt.
Intended Outcomes
Through our weekly sessions and wrap-around support, we aim to develop several key outcomes for our participants:
- Physical Fitness and Self-Defence Skills: Enhancing confidence and sense of personal safety.
- Emotional Regulation Techniques: Helping manage stress and anxiety through mindfulness practices.
- Stronger Social Connections: Reducing isolation and increasing sense of community.
- Inclusive Environment: Fostering a greater sense of self-worth and belonging, especially for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
For our organisation, we aim to strengthen our operational capacity by ensuring that all committee members are trained in safeguarding and first aid. Our outreach efforts will create stronger ties with local communities and support services, increasing engagement and participation
We hope this gives you a clear picture of our project and the positive impact we’re striving to achieve. If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to reach out to us at camden@bskf.org . Together, we can make a difference! 🌟