Centre Forward - a partnership between Forth Valley College and the Falkirk Foundation (FF) – have been shortlisted for an award from the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE).
The initiative – which uses the ‘Development through Sport’ model to help accelerate learning and development as well as promote self-esteem and confidence in young people with additional learning support needs aged between 16-24 – is up for the Self Management in the Community Award at a ceremony which will take place online on Wednesday 28 September.
This award is decided by a public online vote and all those who recognised the wonderful work the Centre Forward project does can cast their vote by visiting the following link Self Management Award shortlist 2022 - Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (alliance-scotland.org.uk).
In their category, Centre Forward are up against ENABLE Scotland; Equal Futures; Long Covid Kids; The Moira Anderson Foundations, Positive Steps, Glasgow Satellite Service (GSS); and STAND – Striving Towards A New Day.
Jacqui McArthur, Director of Curriculum at FVC, said: “We are all so proud of the recognition the Centre Forward Project has received as a result of this shortlisting in these very well respected awards. Over the last four years we have seen the lives of young people be transformed as a result of this initiative and it thoroughly deserves to be highlighted in this way. We urge anyone who has knowledge of this project or who knows anyone who has been involved with it, to visit the link and cast their vote as soon as they can. It really deserves to be up there along with the other very worthwhile groups and organisations on the shortlist.”
Derek Allison CEO of Falkirk Foundation. “We are immensely honoured to be shortlisted for this award amongst the other worthwhile projects. It is great that the Centre Forward programme has gained this recognition for the impact that it makes on individuals’ lives. The high retention rate and the results from this programme are a reflection of the quality of delivery and hard work put in by all that are involved in it. With Forth Valley College we have shown that true partnership working can make a real impact on those in our community. I would ask everyone to follow the link and cast their vote for this amazing programme.”
FVC’s Department of Business and Communities – who have extensive expertise in this area – teamed up with the Falkirk Foundation in 2019 to launch the Centre Forward Project. It is currently being funded by £100,000 in donations from the National Lottery Community Fund Young Start Programme, but started with contributions from The Changing Lives Through Physical Activity grant programme supported by The Robertson Trust, The Scottish Government, sportscotland and Spirit of 2012.
Combined with certificated SQA units, the project offers a comprehensive suite of skills that will enable each young person taking part to overcome their individual barriers to progression. All of the classroom based workshops are coupled with practical sport/physical activity sessions to enhance skills-for-work, decision-making, problem-solving and team work, whilst enhancing feelings of belonging, contribution and achievement.
In addition, young people taking part will be enrolled as FVC students and will therefore benefit from the range of student resources available, including the Learning Resource Centre, Student Services and on-campus gym – upon further easing of the current Coronavirus restrictions.
During the last four years dozens of young people with additional learning support needs have taken part in Centre Forward, successfully completing hundreds of qualifications and engaging with the local community through volunteering at several local events. The young people have also raised awareness with the local business community through fantastic links developed with the Falkirk Business Bairns and DYW Forth Valley.
Winners will be announced at the Self Management Awards ceremony which will take place online during Self Management Month on Wednesday 28 September.
Look out for more information about all the shortlisted nominees on their twitter page @SelfMgmtScot .
For more information on ALLIANCE visit www.alliance-scotland.org.uk