The Together Trust has teamed up with Convergys and O2 Think Big to introduce young people with barriers to education including learning disabilities to a variety of sports.
Young people from Ashcroft School have been able to develop knowledge and skills in different sporting activities as part of the ‘Intro to Sport’ programme, led by the school coaching service Sportscool.
The Together Trust-run school provides specialist education to young people aged 5-18 years who have struggled to cope in other settings because of behavioural problems, learning difficulties, physical disabilities and autism spectrum conditions.
With support from O2 Think Big who funded the training sessions, pupils have been learning skills in sports, including cricket, ultimate frisbee and dodgeball which they described as “energetic”, “brilliant” and “fun”.
O2 Think Big Chairperson Donna Plumbley said: “O2 is passionate about helping young people to gain new skills. The young people we worked with gained skills such as working together, communication and team building skills but most of all they had fun.”
Staff from Convergys in Bredbury, Stockport also volunteered their time over six sessions to help support young people taking part in the activities.
Kate Khan, Senior Marketing Specialist at Convergys, added: “Convergys are delighted with the experience, it has allowed our staff to volunteer and witness first-hand the enjoyment the children of Ashcroft have had, and see just how much they have gained from taking part.”
There are a number of ways that businesses can work with the Together Trust including corporate volunteering, pro-bono work and donations to our services along with fundraising. The Together Trust is a charitable organisation which has been providing care, special education and community support for young people and adults in the North West region since it was established in 1870.
The charity helps more than 2,000 people and their families each year, who are experiencing emotional, behavioural or social difficulties, physical and learning disabilities or autistic spectrum conditions: www.togethertrust.org.uk
