LOOKING AFTER THE LOOKED-AFTER
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LOOKING AFTER THE LOOKED-AFTER
Martyn Best , our inside man at Tranmere Rovers , gives us an insight into a very heart-warming and hugely supportive initiative delivered by the Club .
Tranmere Rovers in the Community ( TRIC ) delivers a wide range of community based projects with many helping and supporting disadvantaged groups , and none more so than their Children in Care Leisure Activity .
This project works with looked-after children in Wirral and West Cheshire , who are some of the most vulnerable people in society and have experienced the sort of start in life that is likely to impede their life chances .
Over the years , TRIC have worked closely in partnership with both Wirral and Cheshire West Councils , ‘ Right Side of Care ’, and more recently Merseyside Police in targeting the most hard-to-reach and deserving individuals .
Many of these young people have in the past , experienced one or more of neglect , abuse , poor parenting and the youth justice system . Many become disengaged from education , social activity and society .
So , to this challenge , TRIC ’ s objectives are to help enhance educational achievement , improve fitness and general health , develop life skills , add to self-esteem and self-confidence , and widen social networking opportunities .
This initiative takes places during all school holidays , a time of further curious challenge for the children , and TRIC supports and delivers activities of fun , exercise and socialisation , including bowling , ice skating , adventure courses , art , mini golf , climbing , archery , and of course football sessions and visits to Prenton Park .
The outcomes of the project include enhanced educational achievement and school attendance , and a reduced likelihood of engaging in anti-social behaviour .
Since the programme ’ s inception in 2010 , there have been various funding streams to help support the diverse activities on offer including Children in Need , Awards for All , Police fund , and National League Community Fund . It is currently funded by Cheshire West and Chester Council who subsidise all activities , community staff time and transport costs .
Here is some feedback from children :
• “ The staff are helpful , fun , supportive , approachable and they listen .”
• “ The activities are good because they make them fun for all of us .”
Feedback from carers includes :
• “ We have noticed that ‘ L ’ has gained in confidence and his social skills have improved by attending the leisure activities . Long may it continue !”
• “ The leisure activities have been priceless , as ’ T ’ and ‘ L ’ don ’ t have the natural ability to make friends and socialise . The Club has given them a real lift in this department and they completely enjoy the getaway from some of the problems that plague their lives every day . I personally can ’ t thank the Club enough for their help .”
For further information , or if you wish to contribute to this project , please contact Steve Williams at : SteveW @ tranmererovers . co . uk .
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