Sporting chance for care experienced West Lothian young people

The Active4Me programme was launched earlier this year to try and overcome some of the challenges that care experienced young people can face when getting involved in sport.

Funded by West Lothian Council and sportscotland, the programme targets young people aged 12-18 and encourages them to try new sports and improve their confidence.

The programme targets the Craigshill area of Livingston, where there are known care experienced young people at local schools who are not currently involved within community sport. 

Executive councillor for economy, community empowerment and wealth building Kirsteen Sullivan said: "It's fantastic to see the Active4Me programme already making a positive difference to young people's lives in West Lothian.

"We know that participating in sports can deliver huge benefits for young people, who have experienced care through no fault of their own.

"We hope this programme will help local care experienced young programme overcome some of the hurdles they face getting involved in sport."

The Active4Me programme is delivered by West Lothian Council's Active Schools & Community Sport team in partnership with three local community sports clubs who already work in the Craigshill area - Grand Master Sutherland's Martial Arts, Jidel Judo and West Lothian Gymnastics Club.

The clubs and the young people are being supported with funding to help with costs associated with membership, equipment, clothing and travel, thanks to support from West Lothian Council and sportscotland. 

The Active Schools team will also maintain regular contact with the young people and their carers to enable smooth transition into the club environment. They will also be providing direct support to the young participants to build their confidence and knowledge to give them the best chance of transitioning to regular attendance at their club of choice.

Active Schools Coordinator Demi Mitchell, added: "Developing the Active4Me programme has been great. Being able to create these opportunities for young people and clubs by breaking down as many barriers as possible has been a true passion of mine. 

"Sport has the power to create long lasting friendships and bring together people within a community which is truly what we hope for with this programme while creating confident, happy and active individuals."

Part of the programme will involve the delivery of training to the club coaches and volunteers through Who Cares? Scotland and Scottish Sport Futures, to allow them to better understand and support those within the care system.

Raymond Kaczmarek from Grand Master Sutherland's Martial Arts said of the programme: "The club are delighted to be working in partnership with West Lothian Council to provide more opportunities for children and young people from a care experienced background within the club.

"We already have some members from a care experienced background that are doing really well and have benefited hugely from being part of the club.

"We are excited about the training opportunities being made available to our coaches and volunteers that will help us to support all of our members to achieve their goals whatever those may be."

A participant who has previously benefitted from the programme said: "You learn new stuff and it makes you feel much better about yourself, it's enjoyable and really good."

Through the support of the Active4Me programme, the participant attended a variety of activities, something they previously would have said no to.

Her foster parent said: "I was struggling to get her into any activity groups to meet her disability needs, and she was really fed up of only having me as a friend.

"She has absolutely loved the programme and your company. I can see a huge difference in her. It's been great for building her confidence."