News

On the sunny afternoon of Tuesday 30^th May, the JRF Team were joined by 40 young people and their parents to take part in a Community Gardening Day, which saw members of the Groundwork London Team donate gardening equipment, and deliver gardening tips and training to the budding young Monty Don’s and Sarah Raven’s, eager to get digging.

In the open green space around Bridgestone Arena, NW!0 large wooden planters have been built by Segro as part of JRF’s ongoing commitment to take action on climate change, by cleaning up and greening up local areas. The planters form part of the Bridgestone Community Gardens with the intention of attracting butterflies, bees, and other insects by planting pollinators and flowers in the raised beds. 

The young gardeners took great delight in planting sage and lavender plants, as well as other flowers, and understand their responsibility for watering the flowers and watching them grow when they come to the centre to take part in the sports activities delivered by the Foundation.

After the Community Clean-up day last week the Gardening Day is the latest in the Foundation’s Climate Action programme in association with Brent’s CO2Go, a project that uses sport as a backdrop to tackle climate issues in our community. 

The Mayoress of Brent Cllr Orleen Hylton was on hand to help and assist the project that was led by Sara Milne from Groundwork London and the JRF Green Squad.

Everyone got enthusiastically involved and one parent commented afterwards; “My boy slept so well last night! We are definitely going to have to keep this up!”

Look out for future Community Clean-up Days and Community Gardening Days and come down and get involved. Everyone is welcome.

On the evening of Friday 26^th May over 30 young people gathered at Bridgestone Arena, NW10 to hear from a panel of Tradesmen working in a range of skilled industries, as part of the ongoing series of Real Talk Events, hosted by the Jason Roberts Foundation (JRF).

It was evident that the speakers had more than one string to their bow with Rui a local building site Manager also a Tennis Coach for JRF, Shaquille, or Shaq as he is known to JRF as their resident Dance Teacher, is a Carpenter by trade, Deon a former footballer and Coach is a Plumber, and Alvin another former professional footballer now an Electrician.

The audience heard about the values of having a trade, and that good money can be earned as there is always a demand for skilled workers. In fact, according to figures from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, wages have risen about 6% as a result of a shortage of skilled tradespeople, including carpenters, groundworkers, bricklayers, plasterers and plant operators in the wake of Brexit and exacerbated by the pandemic.

Shaq gave some good advice about the importance of financial literacy and learning about credit, and Rui spoke about being proactive in seeking and taking opportunities for career development.

The Real Talk sessions are part of JRF’s ‘Passport to Success’ project which is funded by Young Brent Foundation and One Flow One Brent, that aims to give young people an insight into a wide range of industries, and to arm them with the skills needed to compete in the world of work and business.

Shaq who is 24 told the audience, “I took a leap of faith when I left a large company to start my own business. I look after my money and save a lot which has helped me to recently get on the property ladder.”

Alvin said, “I thought football was everything. When I got released (by the Club) I had to do something, to work. I have no regrets in choosing my trade and it has allowed me to plan ahead.”

Deon added, “I wasn’t great in school and my dad was always on to me about getting a trade. Plumbers are in high demand and I’m glad I followed his advice.” 

He encouraged the young people listening to plan ahead in whatever they choose to do. 

JRF have hosted a series of Real Talk sessions as part of the project over the past 6-months, and the success and positive outcomes for the participants continues to grow.

If you are interested in attending future Real Talk sessions please email info@jasonrobertsfoundation.org with the subject header “Passport to Success”

On Friday 5^th May JRF hosted a ‘Passport to Success’ evening that focused on the world of Business.

JRF partnered with Launch It Neasden a new vibrant enterprise centre in Brent for the Real Talk session that welcomed 20 budding entrepreneurs and business owners to the co-working space.

Each business owner had the opportunity to speak about their business, their ideas, the challenges they face, and any help they are seeking, in what was a fun and engaging conversation hosted by JRF’s Michael Adams, and business mentors, Mark Segalov and Angela Seeram.

After the session the group enjoyed refreshments during a follow-on networking session, as an opportunity to share ideas, and seek guidance from the mentors about next steps and top tips.

There is a follow on meeting planned at the end of May for many of the businesses hoping to work with Launch It Neasden, as an attractive and affordable space to help grow their business.

Launch It is part of the wider regeneration of Neasden town centre, that will support fifty young entrepreneurs to start or grow a business through a combination of co-working desks and individual workspaces.

For more information visit https://www.launchit.org.uk/neasden

JRF’s ‘Passport to Success’ project which is funded by Young Brent Foundation and One Flow One Brent, aims to give young people an insight into a wide range of industries, and to arm then with the skills needed to compete in the world of work and business.

JRF have hosted a series of Real Talk sessions as part of the project over the past 6-months, and the success and positive outcomes for the participants continues to grow.

Simon, one of the business owners in attendance commented after the session; “I found a lot of support and motivation from the Passport to Success event the other week! I was able to speak to people I wouldn’t usually come across and get some insight into the success and difficulties people find in starting a business.”

He continued; “I feel confident now that I’m part of a core of people all trying to go down the same path, with the guidance of successful and knowledgeable people.”

If you are interested in attending future Real Talk sessions please email info@jasonrobertsfoundation.org with the subject header “Passport to Success”

March 2023

In March staff from the Jason Roberts Foundation attended the launch of the ‘Take your shot studio’ a business hub and workspace located in Brent for entrepreneurs who need support growing their business ideas.

Cec Richards the founder of Slenky – an opportunities platform, and more recently the Studio led the event with some inspirational words and hope for future aspiring leaders.

Read the full article on Brent Council’s website here:

https://www.brent.gov.uk/news-in-brent/2023/march/take-your-shot-studios-opens-for-business

February 2023

JRF’s new Carbon Footprint Reduction Education Project got underway with young people developing skills and knowledge regarding climate change, through fortnightly Carbon Footprint Reduction Challenges, and a series of competitions and fun activities.

Funded by the CO₂Go Education Fund through Brent Council, the project aims to give young people the opportunity to learn more about the environment and the impact of climate change, and what steps they can take to reduce their carbon footprint.

As well as the Carbon Footprint Reduction Challenges, the project will engage young people through sport whilst ensuring key messages regarding climate change are delivered through Environmental Workshops.

Quarterly Climate Change Olympics will involve a series of competitions and fun activities including a speed litter picking ‘waste race’ and an environmental scavenger hunt.

The young participants have already got involved in a ‘Community Give Back’ day where local residents volunteered to pick up litter across the Stonebridge Estate, clean up the Community Centre, and plant pollinators in the raised wooden beds built and erected by a team from Groundwork London, led by Programme Manager, Adrian Osler.

Brent Council are focused on the borough playing it’s part in tackling climate change and improving air quality. By 2030 the aim is for Brent to be a carbon-neutral borough, and £500,000 has been provided to make resident’s homes more energy efficient and for community groups to run education programmes, such as JRF’s Carbon Footprint Reduction Education Project. They have installed over 21,000 energy efficient streetlights, fitted 515 electric vehicle charging points, planted 4533 trees, 22 wild-flower meadows, and bee corridors – all to help protect residents from harmful emissions.

JRF staff and volunteers, the young participants, and local residents, are all committed to contributing towards a cleaner, more attractive borough.

22^nd February 2023

Article written by Adrian Creamer, Head of Physical Education and Head of Year 8 at Salvatorian College

On Wednesday 22^nd February we had the great privilege of two former professional footballers who were former students at Salvatorian College, returning to the school to give an inspiring talk to Years 8 & 9. 

Richard Langley & Jamal Campbell-Ryce shared their experiences of being professional footballers and spoke about their current careers as a football agent and an elite football coach. They spoke about many issues surrounding the game including the importance of education, culture, engagement patters, racism and how to deal with setbacks and success.

The Q & A session led to some thoughtful and insightful questions from the audience which were expertly dealt with by Richard and Jamal. There was a real energy and buzz around the room during the session and afterwards.

The event was inspiring and motivating for students and staff members. Thank you to Jason Roberts Foundation for facilitating such an incredible day.

Note:

The visit formed part of the Foundation’s Inspire to Achieve project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.

To learn more see the website dedicated to the Heritage project https://www.inspire2achieve.co.uk

See a video overview of the project here https://vimeo.com/804377688

March 2023

With brighter weather the Sunday afternoon sport for all sessions delivered as part of the JRF’s ‘Inclusive Communities’ project, go from strength to strength with increasing numbers of children and young people attending.

The project is a sport for all programme for children aged 6 – 16-years-old with physical and learning disabilities (SEND) thanks to funding from Brent Council You Decide Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL).

Young participants are guided and encouraged in a range of sports and games by qualified coaches helping to break down barriers to participation for these children, and to enhance their involvement and enjoyment in physical activity.

In addition to the Sunday sessions the Foundation will work with local SEND Schools 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 are  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 are 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.

Other activities and excursions including a trip to the cinema, visiting JRF’s Inspire to Achieve Heritage Exhibition at Wembley Stadium, and participating in a community clean up to promote greener neighbourhoods and highlight the impact of climate change, help to enhance learning and experiences for the children.

Parents, Carers, and family members have been encouraged to form a Parents Active Group creating a support network, where they can meet socially, share ideas and information. The group have launched weekly dance sessions while their children enjoy the sports and games on offer. The Sunday afternoon sessions for 6 – 16-year-olds will run from 12:00 – 2:00 pm. For more information and to register your child please contact info@jasonrobertsfoundation.org

15^th December 2022

In December 2022 Jason Roberts, MBE was in London to receive an Honorary Fellowship by UCFB at the Class of 2022 Graduation. Jason, who is Director of Development at Concacaf, and a Member of the University’s Global Institute of Sport (GIS) Advisory Board, was awarded the Honorary Fellowship for his contribution to the Sports University in the UK and the US, and with the Jason Roberts Foundation (JRF) in the UK.

Sharona Friedman, President and co-founder of GIS handed the award to Jason who was recognised for “being instrumental in the expansion (of GIS) into North America and the Caribbean. He generously donates his time and support offering his services as a guest speaker for talks in Wembley and Miami. He also ensured visits to UCFB took place to show the benefits of higher education, with many of our students benefitting from the Jason Roberts Foundation Scholarships.”

JRF has worked with UCFB on several other initiatives including Careers Fairs and offering work placements for students.

This was the first year UCFB & GIS have introduced a new award to its annual Graduation ceremonies to recognise individuals who have contributed to the world of sport and education and/or have supported the development and growth of UCFB & GIS. Those who were bestowed the honour, are considered by the University to be “outstanding interesting people, who act as role models for our students, ambassadors for the institution and provide inspiration to those who are graduating.”

Jason was joined by Sean Dyche, Rachel Brown-Finnis, Gary Mellor, and Mike Phelan, all of whom have been recognised by UCFB & GIS for their outstanding contribution to the work and development of UCFB & GIS or have achieved exceptional distinction in a field or activity relevant to the work of UCFB & GIS.

Jason commented, “It was an honour to accept an Honorary Fellowship UCFB Global Institute of Sport Where I enjoyed meeting faculty, staff, students and graduates and I look forward to playing a role in continuing to educate our future sporting leaders. Congratulations to all.”

For more information please visit:

https://www.ucfb.ac.uk/news/ucfb-news-hub/sean-dyche-awarded-honorary-fellowship-at-ucfb-class-of-2022-graduation/

December 2022

In late December Founder of the JRF and former professional footballer and pundit, Jason Roberts, MBE, visited the new development at Church Road, part of Wates Residential and Brent Council’s commitment to building new council homes.

The Leader of Brent Council, Cllr Muhammed Butt was joined by Sarah Diane Robbins, Senior Community Engagement Officer-Housing, with Wates Project Manager, Paul Smith, and Social Value Manager, Ria Morris.

Jason visited the development site as part of JRF’s onoing commitment over the next 2-years to work with various local stakeholders on Heritage, Climate, Health, and Employment initiatives for the local community.

In March 2022 leading developer, Wates Residential, was appointed by Brent Council to create 99 new council homes in Church Road, Church End, which is set to help transform the area.

As part of this regeneration scheme, there will be a new market square and a range of shops at the site where a car park once stood.

Part of Wates Group, one of the UK’s leading construction, property services and residential development companies, Wates Residential started construction last year, with the homes due for completion by 2025.

The £30m project is part of the council’s Masterplan for Church End. By 2041, the area will boast 1,300 new homes along with hundreds of new employment and training opportunities and improved infrastructure. This particular project in Church End will enable Wates and Brent Council to invest in the local community through the generation of 16 apprenticeships and a minimum of 20 objective-based work placements for local people.

For more information visit: https://www.wates.co.uk/articles/news/building-new-council-homes-brent/