6th January 2022
Sanctuary Supported Living
With the Lionesses win at the Euro Championship in the summer, plus the men’s England team reaching the quarterfinals of the World Cup in Qatar, it’s been a football-focused year for many. And supported housing finds itself reaping the rewards of the glorious game.
Sanctuary Supported Living’s Victoria Road which provides support for young people who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, and Station Road in Darlington which provides support for people with mental health needs and low or medium level learning disabilities, have been thrashing it out at Eastbourne Sports Complex as part of a monthly six-a-side organised by staff at the Northeast services.
The football matches were funded by Sanctuary’s Community Investment Team as part of its commitment to support people by creating conditions in which they can thrive – and residents of the supported housing services are doing just that.
Victoria Road welcomed six unaccompanied asylum-seeking teenagers twelve months ago. Originally from the Middle East, they arrived struggling with language differences, acculturation, plus the trauma of their lived experiences. The opportunity to get involved in the recreational sport of football is supporting their participation, personal development, and performance, along with other residents at the homelessness services who have seen an improvement in their mental health and wellbeing. And not just from playing it – but watching it too. The youngsters attended their very first football match at an EFL Championship game last summer thanks to a generous donation from a local lady.
As well as providing safe, stable accommodation for vulnerable people, the staff teams at Sanctuary Supported Living work hard to encourage social inclusion, integration, and independence to support residents’ potential and ensure they’re living their best lives.
"We’re seeing that the lads are feeling more relaxed and positive when they’re boosted after a game"
Richard Dixon, Deputy Local Service Manager for Station Road said: “We’re thrilled that the six-a-side has been so successful. Football as a means of physical activity also does wonders in acting as a release from daily stress. By helping to reduce the level of stress hormones and stimulating the production of mood enhancing hormones – we’re seeing that the lads are feeling more relaxed and positive when they’re boosted after a game. It’s also been instrumental in providing a common interest for residents across our services, and a subsequent bond as they share the pitch and the football spirit.”
The final score of the first match was 6-3 to Victoria Road and residents are looking forward to their next match in Hartlepool.
