Get on Track programme a success in Banbury

Young adults from Banbury are celebrating after successfully completing a six-month course aimed at improving their self-esteem and helping them enter employment.

Banbury Foyer residents celebrate the success of 'Get on Track' scheme

The group have been taking part in the Get on Track initiative being run in partnership between Sanctuary Supported Living and the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust.

Elite athletes from the trust have been mentoring the group, who are all residents at Sanctuary Supported Living’s Banbury Foyer, which provides support for vulnerable and homeless young people aged 16 to 25.

Liz Cann, a Commonwealth Games badminton bronze medal winner, and Paralympic skier Anna Turney have overseen a series of sessions designed to promote teamwork and build confidence.

The group enjoyed a day at the Riding For The Disabled Association as part of the programme and had the chance to study for a First Aid qualification.

Participants were also challenged to organise a social action project, with the group choosing to run a football tournament at Banbury United Football Club aimed at bringing young asylum seekers together.

In total, there were 26 players from countries including Zambia, Senegal, Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Morocco and Albania.

The Get on Track programme is being funded through £60,000 from Sanctuary Group’s community investment fund and is also taking place at Sanctuary Supported Living services in Brighton, Weston-super-Mare, Stockton-on-Tees and Hartlepool.

Sanctuary Supported Living Project Worker Louise Powell said: “Get on Track has been a huge success and everyone I’ve spoken to has really enjoyed working with the athletes.

“I have seen a significant improvement in the self-esteem of those who have taken part and I know they are looking forward to building on the skills they have learned in the future.”

Ben Hilton, CEO of Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, added: “The young people on this programme have faced significant challenges and barriers in life but through their resilience and newfound self-esteem are beginning to see the best version of themselves.

“I’m so excited to see how they continue on their journey and how they will positively impact those around them.”

Get on Track has been a huge success and everyone I’ve spoken to has really enjoyed working with the athletes.

Sanctuary Supported Living Project Worker Louise Powell