Blues Foundation has resumed and launched some of its flagship programmes as the UK Government’s lockdown measures continue to ease and allow the return of outdoor physical activity in large numbers.
On April 12, Stage 2 as outlined in the COVID return roadmap was implemented and allowed the return of outside activity and organised outdoor sport for adults and children with any number of participants if formally organised by a governing body, business or charity like Blues Foundation.
This easing of measures has increased further in the weeks that have followed, meaning Blues Foundation is back up to a full quota of activation as it looks to impact on many more lives entering the second year since gaining full charity status.
The Blues Foundation has been proud and humbled to see the impact it has already had across Bedfordshire as some programmes have returned, including the Families Project in association with England Rugby at Bedford Athletic RFC in April.
One of the foundation’s strong beliefs is to continue offering enrichment opportunities where possible to young people in the local community and there are exciting plans in regard to the Tackle LIFE and Blues Foundation Inspire programmes, which will be held at Goldington Road, home of Bedford Blues RFC.
Some work in this particular area has already resumed, with Blues Foundation announcing a partnership with Bedford College, focusing on core life skills and vocational education. Due to the success of the opening two weeks, another course is now being run at the college’s Kettering campus to impact on many more young people in the Bedford College Group.
One of the most successful and uplifting stories towards the back end of 2020 was the ABILITY Blues project, in partnership with Wooden Spoon Bedfordshire, and launched with support from Autism Bedfordshire. Through this project, Blues Foundation was able to support disabled young people and promote positive physical and mental health.
Another project halted by the most recent lockdown restrictions was the physical and mental wellbeing sessions created to support residents at Bedford housing charity, Penrose. This weekly activation has also restarted at Bedford Park.
Penrose and its residents have also benefited from the Meals for the Vulnerable campaign which recently celebrated its first anniversary since being the very first Blues Foundation project launched. In that time, over 5,000 meals have been delivered.
Looking further into the future, Blues Foundation is again exploring offering holiday provision in the summer following the success of delivery over Easter. This focuses on development across all sports, not just rugby, and is held at locations across Bedfordshire.
Keep checking the Blues Foundation website and social media channels to hear about latest initiatives.
The Blues Foundation can be found on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Alternatively, contact Blues Foundation Manager, Tom Harwood, via email at info@bluesfoundation.org.uk with any specific questions
