Bath Rugby’s captain, Director of Rugby and Chief Executive have backed a new scheme to help some of the most vulnerable young people in society.
Bath Rugby’s chief executive Tarquin McDonald | Photo courtesy of Bath Rugby Foundation
The impact of the current lockdown is not equal across society. The poorest in the community will see the worst effects in physical and mental health, education and employment opportunities.
Bath Rugby Foundation’s ‘Sponsor Our Students’ scheme will enable teenagers who are suffering during the current Covid-19 lockdown to gain qualifications and take a step into employment.
Club captain Charlie Ewels, Director of Rugby, Stuart Hooper and Chief Executive, Tarquin McDonald have become the first to sign up.
Sponsorship will give participants on Bath Rugby Foundation’s award-winning HITZ programme the help they need to succeed.
The funding will meet the individuals’ needs, which can range from training courses or smart interview clothes, to food and the bus fare needed to attend HITZ.
Bath Rugby captain and England international Charlie Ewels said: “Every year we see the life-changing impact that the HITZ programme has on young people in and around Bath, but we know that this year it will be a vital lifeline to the youngsters feeling the effects of the lockdown.
“The impact of the lockdown is not equal, and it will fall hardest on the young people Bath Rugby Foundation works with.
“I’m proud to be able to support the work the Foundation and the HITZ programme does and I’d encourage businesses and individuals who can Sponsor Our Students to come forward and help change more young lives.”
HITZ is Bath Rugby Foundation’s employability programme for 16 to 19-year-olds who are considered NEET – not in employment, education or training.
HITZ mixes sport with classroom-based learning and enables young adults who are in danger of falling through the net to look ahead at a brighter future.
Bath Rugby Foundation will have 60 learners starting the HITZ courses in September and Bath Rugby’s charity is seeking 60 businesses or individuals, each contributing £600 to support them.
Each participant will have specific needs and the money will meet those needs.
Bath Rugby Foundation CEO Lynne Fernquest said: “We are very grateful that Charlie, Stuart and Tarquin have stepped forward as the first people to Sponsor Our Students. This support will have a hugely positive impact.
“We know that there are some learners who struggle to complete the HITZ programme, simply because they do not have the bus fare needed to get to sessions.
“Too many participants are hungry when they arrive at Bath Rugby Foundation sessions. How can we expect young people to learn when they are hungry?
“This sponsorship will allow us to meet the specific needs of the individual learner, helping them take the next, positive step, either into employment or back into education.”
To learn more about Bath Rugby Foundation’s Sponsor Our Students scheme, and help change the life of a vulnerable young person, contact [email protected]
You can find the latest coronavirus information, advice and community updates for the Bath & North East Somerset area on our dedicated live blog here.
