Dame Kelly Holmes Trust this week unveiled an ambitious new plan to support 10,000 young people facing disadvantage over the next 10 years.
The Trust was launched by double Olympic champion, Dame Kelly Holmes, in 2008 and since then has gone on to train more than 400 athletes, including many Olympians and Paralympians, to deliver transformational programmes to over 6000 young people.
In particular, the national charity has pledged to target issues amongst young people which have been exacerbated during the Covid-19 pandemic, such as loneliness and isolation, dented aspirations and ambition, and declining mental and physical wellbeing.
CHALLENGING
Speaking in the foreword of the new 2021-24 strategy, the Trust’s Chair Ed Bracher says the plan has been developed and launched “during the most challenging period in modern history”.
He explained “The Dame Kelly Holmes Trust’s new 10-year ambition begins with this three-year strategic plan to improve the health and wellbeing of young people across the UK facing challenges in their everyday lives.
“The pandemic has been a catalyst to accelerate and highlight the pre-existing issues and challenges of inequality faced by many young people. Our belief in them remains un-wavering pre, during and post pandemic; all young people must have an equal opportunity to be the best version of themselves.
“Working across the UK, we have a team of exceptional, world-class athletes who, using training provided by the Trust, utilise their own unique experiences to unlock the potential of the young people we exist for. Delivering the Trust’s transformational programmes, this team equips young people with the positive behaviours and mindset to enhance their wellbeing, build healthy relationships and unlock the confidence, self-esteem and resilience to achieve in education, work and life.”
At the heart of the new strategy are five key commitments, which are: i) to deliver impactful programmes; ii) to be shaped by young people; iii) to strengthen the charity’s commitment to athletes; iv) to strengthen its core and sustain its future; v) to amplify its voice and grow its community.
Ed added: “Over the next three years we will build on our long-standing experience and foundations to deliver against our ambition to support 10,000 young people, over 10 years, who face disadvantage due to inequality in their everyday lives.
COMMITTED
“We will help them to become the best version of themselves. We are doubling down on our impact and reach, digitalising our programme offers to reach young people regardless of their postcode. This enables us to provide continuity of support and care to those who need us most. Importantly, we are committed to amplify and be shaped by the voice of our beneficiaries throughout the Trust.
“The years ahead will continue to throw challenges in our way, but with the commitment, skills and passion of the Board, staff team, our athletes and partners, we are confident that we will play a crucial role in the lives of those we support, as we recover from the pandemic.”
