Coaches from Wigan Athletic Community Trust are helping a group of homeless people to get involved in physical activity thanks to a new project supported by the Big Lottery Fund.
In partnership with the Brick, the Kick Start project provides weekly football and sport sessions in order to help participants improve their health while boosting their confidence and self-esteem.
Participant Wayne Bower has been homeless since May, and said: “The football sessions are superb as it gets a lot of my anxiety out and is a massive stress relief.
“It’s the first time for probably the best part of 16 years that I’ve really had the opportunity to play, and it’s improved my self-esteem massively. I’ve fitted in straight away and have made a number of good friends already.”
The Brick is a charity which aims to support anyone who finds themselves homeless, or are at risk of becoming homeless. They help people back into accommodation, and offer showers and breakfast for those who find themselves sleeping on the streets.
The grant from the Big Lottery Fund Awards will fund the Kick Start programme for the next 12 months with the aim of helping participants move closer to re-engaging with society.
Alison Weir, Training Co-ordinator at the Brick, said: “The guys who take part each week absolutely love it. We have a range of people from different backgrounds and age groups, and it’s just fantastic how we’ve been able to work with Wigan Athletic Community Trust to deliver such sessions, and ultimately bring so many people together, who otherwise wouldn’t have had the opportunity.”
For more information about the Brick please visit www.thebrick.org.uk, call them on 01942 236953, or email enquiries@thebrick.org.uk.
For more information about the Kick Start project please contact Wigan Athletic Community Trust on 01942 488 530 or e-mail community@wiganathletic.com