External help for our schools
Recently we were able to assist a trial project where children from Hailsham Academy (sports BTEC pupils), were able to experience 6 x 1 hour lessons at Fortior Fit, a local crossfit gym on the Diplocks Industrial estate.
Unsurprisingly, the results were wonderful, the pupils benefitted from inspirational coaching (and of course a different perspective from normal classroom setting). The teachers who attended also noticed the positive impact of the sessions, and perhaps just as surprising, there was also the great element of joy with the instructors at seeing the positive impact their work had on the children.
Olly Stables, lead coach at Fortior Fit, (and incredibly well qualified), put in some research on the benefits of crossfit.
There are a variety of studies, but one in particular took my attention.
Why Crossfit may work for disengaged and vulnerable pupils.
The ‘youth at risk’ report highlight mechanisms that often matter more than the workout itself.
The report also highlighted that the quality of the coach(s) is critical. Building trust, helping children experience small victories, such as first pull up or handstand have such a strong psychological benefit. It is not just the activity type but also the emotionally supportive leader relationships.
Although our course was for only 6 x 1 hour sessions, I heard numerous positive stories that show how important this type of school liaison with outside bodies is.
We read that many teenage girls switch off from sport and physical activity, for a whole host of reasons. But one of the nicest stories of this trial, was were one of the attending coaches, Natalie, helped a girl achieve a feat she was convinced was impossible for her. The delight from the girl (and the coach), is reason enough to know this works.
Hailsham Boxing club
Another great success for our town is the work of Sam Buchanan and his team.
In a similar program (different school), the 12 children referred, faced low self-esteem, emotional regulation challenges, behavioural difficulties and difficult home environments. Several lacked positive make role models and were vulnerable to county lines, gangs and substance misuse. Through weekly sessions led by Sam and Charlie at the gym, pupils built confidence, resilience, and healthier ways of managing emotions. Teachers reported improved behaviour, self-control, classroom engagement and relationships, describing the programme as transformational in helping change the future direction of the children’s lives.
Diamonds in our back yard.
Sometimes we search for big government policy changes to make everything alright, we ask our local politicians to invest heavily in new facilities, especially in a curing our problems.
But actually, there are so many good local people that can make an enormous positive impact, for a fraction of the cost of government intervention, we just have to recognise and support those in our community that have the gift to provide answers, and work as hard as we can to make sure we open these local doors to a better future.
Diplocks and Home Care
Following a similar theme, I was invited to Diplocks community centre for a meeting with the Homecare group, and local community support and charities (all linked by Laura Heales).
We brought together Mickey Caira from Hailsham Town council, Andy Joyes and Hailsham Youth club and myself, representing Hailsham Active and our links to sport and recreation.
We identified some ways we can help the local children engage in other activities, from understanding what is on offer locally at Hailsham rec, the youth club, sports clubs and indeed Hailsham boxing club.
Additionally, the Homecare group are going to refurbish the MUGA to make it more attractive and useable.
Our local sports clubs
Whilst I have mentioned specific organisations in ‘Fortior Fit’ and ‘Hailsham Boxing club’, we must also give a tremendous thank you to all our coaches and administrators of our local sports clubs. The amount of time and effort these people put in for our childrens benefit is amazing and also has such a profound effect for all of us. When you get the chance, please give them some positive words, we should all be very grateful.
Not forgetting us of the ‘older generation’.
Just a quick note to end on, the chair exercise group, run by Kelly Marie Blundell, on a Monday morning at the youth club (old church corner of western road/south road), and part sponsored by Bowes House, is literally growing in strength each week. I had a go myself and it was a really good session for all abilities. If you want to get back into gentle fitness, this is a wonderful way to do it.