The Jason Roberts Foundation are excited to announce the launch of their new ‘Inclusive Communities’ project – a sport for all programme for children with physical and learning disabilities (SEND) thanks to funding from Brent Council You Decide Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL).
The project which will be delivered by trained coaches and staff at weekends and during school holidays will offer a range of sports, activities, and games at Bridgestone Arena, NW10 8PL a fully inclusive and accessible sports and community centre which offers suitable facilities, games, and equipment, helping to break down barriers to participation for these children.
The Inclusive Communities Project received overwhelming support from the local community when they were asked to vote for their favourite projects under Brent Council’s new You Decide community grants programme initiative.
Working with local SEND schools the Foundation plan to offer some mid-term sports provision to support PE lessons and will host 3 Sports Days during the summer, bringing children together from different schools.
The half term and summer holiday sessions will be integrated alongside mainstream delivery and incorporate a Buddy System, creating an ethos where everyone can take part equally, helping the children to feel less marginalised and excluded.
There will be mentors on hand to instil confidence and self-belief in the children to take part in and try new sports, helping them to overcome barriers, as well as helping them to ‘find their voice’ through media workshops via our Cultural Media Centre. For young people aged 14+ there are plans to support them on progression pathways to Apprenticeships, training, and work experience to enhance life skills and opportunities.
Parents, Carers, and family members are welcome to accompany their children to the Sunday sessions and the Foundation will support them to form a Parents Active Group to offer respite, create a support network, meet socially, share ideas and information.
Otis Roberts, CEO of the Foundation said, “We are delighted to receive funding from Brent Council, and You Decide NCIL to deliver our ‘Inclusive Communities’ programme. We know that sports participation for children with SEND is significantly lower that the overall population and this project will bridge that gap and maximise sports participation for these children.”
Cllr Fleur Donnelly-Jackson, Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, Equalities and Culture said: “It’s wonderful to see projects like this, funded by regeneration in the borough, come to life. I have no doubt that the programme will make a positive difference for local children.”
The Sunday afternoon sessions will run from 12:00 – 2:00 pm. For more information and to register your child please contact info@jasonrobertsfoundation.org
About NCIL
The NCIL Fund provides grants for community projects that support the regeneration of the borough. At least 15 per cent of all the money Brent Council collect from new, eligible, developments in the borough must be spent on priorities that are agreed in consultation with the local community.
Brent is divided into five ‘CIL Neighbourhoods’, Harlesden, Kilburn and Kensal, Kingsbury and Kenton, Wembley, and Willesden. Grants can be used for Physical improvements anything from painting and refurbishing a community centre, updating play areas or installing public water fountains, or Social infrastructure projects such as educational courses (an after-school homework club), support schemes (to support residents with the costs of living) or projects that bring the community together (a coffee morning promoting health opportunities).
In the 2022-2023 Grants round Brent Council launched the You Decide initiative where shortlisted applications from registered organisations eligible to apply, were put to the public vote.
