Another landmark milestone has reached Bedford Blues’ charitable arm as it celebrates three years of Blues Foundation and the impact it’s already had within Bedfordshire – and looks forward to a future full of promise and opportunity.
From rugby camps to outreach projects, golf days to disability sport and everything else in between – all delivered by a dedicated and resourceful group of staff – it has been an incredible three years for everyone involved, with highly promising and inspirational results.
Particular highlights include some fantastic food bank collections at Goldington Road to help vulnerable people over the festive period, bridging the digital divide by donating technology to schools and families, and, more recently, hosting running events within the town to promote the charity to a wider audience alongside promoting physical health.
The societal impact from the work Blues Foundation does is inspiring. Check out some of the case studies from the first three years of the charity simply by heading across to the website.
While it is hugely important to reflect on what has gone before, Blues Foundation is already refocusing and looking towards the future with big ambitions and plans to continue impacting on the lives of as many people as possible across Bedfordshire.
The sky really is the limit at Blues Foundation and any support it can get would result in a huge societal impact.
Some key statistics of Blues Foundation work since launching as a charity include:
- Over 6,000 children supported through projects and activation
- Over 8,000 hours of physical activity delivered
- Over 3,200 children engaged through rugby specific activation since merging with Bedford Blues Community
- Over 40,000 items donated to Bedford Foodbank in three years.
- Over 5,500 meals delivered to vulnerable families and individuals
- Over 1,800 laptops and devices donated to help bridge the digital divide
- Multiple flagship projects including Tackle LIFE & ABILITY Blues launched and piloted
- Partnerships developed with Bedford Borough Council and Bedfordshire Police, supporting young people at risk of offending
- Relationship built with Bedford College to deliver wellbeing and activity packages
- Over 700 children aged five to 15 engaged with as part of the summer holiday programmes
- More families encouraged to exercise as part of the Families Fund Project
- Bespoke physical activity project for Penrose Housing targeting the promotion of positive mental and physical health
To find out how you could get involved with the charity, contact tom@bluesfoundation.org.uk or visit www.bluesfoundation.org.uk
