Local communities to benefit from funding award
Spirita's community sport initiative has successfully applied for, and been granted, funding from Sport England to help launch a new social enterprise, designed to encourage businesses to support sport and leisure activities in Derbyshire's most disadvantaged neighbourhoods.
The total project budget for the first two years is £120,000, with Sport England providing funding of £75,000 and the balance being contributed by Spirita and raised from the business community by membership fees and sponsorship.
Mike Umphray, who has worked closely on this project, said:'Sport England's decision to award us funding will make a huge difference to our work and we are very grateful for their support. The scheme will provide a tremendous boost for many communities across the county, helping them to take part in a number of sporting activities.
"It will also enable businesses to become active within these communities, either providing staff volunteers to engage with sporting activities both at grass roots level and beyond or other forms of support."
The project model and business plan for the scheme were developed by Spirita in association with Price Waterhouse Coopers, Derbyshire Sport, Bolsover District Council and Derby City Council. The concept evolved from an earlier pilot project launched by Walbrook Housing Association, (which merged with Rushcliffe Homes and Metropolitan Housing Trust (Midlands) to form Spirita in 2007). This pilot project was hugely successful and gave many valuable lessons in creating this initiative which is based on best practice and sound experience.
The project aims to raise levels of active sports participation among social housing residents to improve physical and mental health, while promoting community cohesion.
Phil Smith, Spirita's Business Growth Director said: "With the imminent approach of the Bejing Olympics, and the prospect of the London Olympics in 2012, we can use the inspirational power of elite sport to advance this project.
"The business sector will be able to benefit from an ongoing brokerage service, promoting optimal engagement of their organisations and their employees with the most relevant community sport activities and we hope that they will also take advantage of the tremendous sponsorship opportunities."
In the first year, the project will be governed by a steering group made up of representatives from all those involved and a small number of other District Councils. The medium term plan is to replicate the project model across the East Midlands, and in the longer term, across the nation.
Spirita, part of the Metropolitan Housing Association, was formed in April 2007 from the merger of Metropolitan Housing Trust (Midlands), Rushcliffe Homes and Walbrook Housing Association. It is one of the leading providers of housing and associated support services in the East Midlands.
Media Enquiries: Sallie Blair, Better Times 01283 821012