Why?
Whilst there is a higher than average educational attainment across Gloucestershire compared to the rest of England, inequalities still exist for children and young people living within areas of deprivation. The exclusion rate within Gloucestershire is twice the national rate, with children from deprived areas that have free school meals, five times more likely to be excluded.
Gloucestershire has significant challenges around long term unemployment and youth unemployment. Rates of youth unemployment are particularly high within Gloucester with wider concerns around its impact on life chances and health inequality.
Institute for Work and Health states that there is clear evidence that unemployment has a negative impact on an individual’s mental health. Similarly, people with mental health problems are more likely than others to become unemployed.
Our Ambition
To boost education attainment, employment outcomes and improve life chances through bespoke sport based programmes delivered within schools and at Kingsholm Stadium.
We Will:
- Expand our ‘HITZ’ programme provision delivered in partnership with Premiership Rugby, supporting more 16-18 year olds to complete a Traineeship course at Kingsholm Stadium involving practical work experience opportunities within Gloucester Rugby and its partners.
- Deliver the first programme in rugby union that engages unemployed adults in a bespoke employability and mental resilience programme.
- Work in partnership with business network Gloucestershire Forwards to unlock routes into employment for our programme participants.
We will utilise our position as the charitable arm of Gloucester Rugby to utilise first team players and their media reach to promote positive equality, diversity, and inclusivity messages, showcasing rugby union as a sport for all.
