Changing Lives Programme

The recently completed ng homes’ Changing Lives programme was aimed at secondary school pupils in the north of Glasgow.

The target group were girls and boys in the 15-16 age group identified by their schools as pupils who would benefit from a stimulating programme giving them an opportunity to develop their practical and leadership skills in a number of sports.

The Schools involved were Springburn and John Paul Academies, All Saints’ and St Roch’s Secondary Schools.

The programme – linked to existing leadership work in the schools – was focused on helping the young people develop their leadership skills.

This included them gaining valuable experience volunteering with the objective of developing a new generation of volunteers in sport.

It is hoped that the young people involved in the programme will in the future act as ambassadors for the City, inspiring more people in the north of Glasgow to become involved in sporting activities and lead healthier lives which will bring to life the legacy aspirations of the recent Commonwealth Games.

The group are going through their Scottish FA coach education and have been on a training course with Scottish Fire and Rescue Services. They also attended courses on snow sport, canoeing and go-karting – all contributing to the development of their skills and self-confidence.

There was an element of volunteering in the community sports clubs which have been set up in the participating secondary schools with the youngsters completing a number of volunteering hours, including supporting the free Easter activities detailed on this page.

The success of the programme has been in no small measure due to support from Glasgow City Council North-East and West Area Partnerships, Education Services and North-East and West Active Schools.

Robert Docherty, who is Football Development and Partnership Manager at ng2, said: “The project has proved to be a huge success with improvements in confidence, attainment, attitude and behaviour amongst the majority of the participants.

“The project provided many opportunities for the young people to experience new activities including supporting their skills development and enhancing their ‘personal statements’.

Chairperson of ng homes John Fury said: “Changing Lives is a great programme for our young people as it provides opportunities for them to improve their health and fitness and we are very grateful to all our partners for their support and input.”