Northampton Saints Foundation and nine other organisations have been praised for offering life changing opportunities for young people, who are on the cusp of gang involvement.
The MY:BK:YD project, which stands for My Back Yard, was created in 2018 as an innovative partnership between Northamptonshire Police and the business community of Northamptonshire.
Those involved in the project have been recognised for supporting young people, helping to break the cycle, guiding them away from criminal activity and creating new opportunities to lead positive futures.
The Foundation has been working alongside members of the police’s Community Initiative to Reduce Violence (CIRV) who refer young people to HITZ programme, for a number of years. The Premiership Rugby’s flagship employability and education programme taught in partnership with YMCA, helps participants to build confidence, gain functional skills and earn accredited qualifications.
Staff work closely with young people on the course to help them make positive changes in their lives through engaging workshops to support with employment, work experience opportunities to become work ready and fun enrichment activities to help boost self-esteem and to encourage teamwork.
Jordan Letts, Head of Foundation said “It was an honour to be recognised and attend the ceremony. We took great pride in meeting other organisations who are involved in the project, equally helping to break the cycle of reoffending and demonstrating a strong sense of corporate social responsibility and commitment to the local community.”
Applications to join the HITZ programme in September 2023 are now open, to find out more information and to make a referral, please contact [email protected].
