As a Foundation we have been closely monitoring the updates regarding coronavirus (COVID-19), taking all necessary precautions as outlined by the relevant authorities, with the health, safety and well-being of participants, staff, contractors, partners, volunteers, stakeholders and their families of paramount importance.
With this in mind, effective immediately, we have now taken the decision to suspend all School and Community based delivery activities until at least week commencing 13th April 2020. This includes all community and school sessions delivered by our Foundation directly, as well as through our partners across the Country.
This is quite clearly a challenging and concerning time for many.
Despite the postponement of our regular community-based delivery activities, we are acutely aware that this represents an even more crucial time for us to come together and support both ourselves and our families, as well as those who are vulnerable around us.
It is vital we stay connected and support each other in any way we can. So although our physical community and school activities are being suspended at this time, the Street Soccer Foundation remains firmly committed to continuing to support vulnerable and homeless young people, including those at risk of becoming homeless, in both our local community and communities nationwide through our valued Club partners.
The Street Soccer Foundation therefore remains very much ‘operational’ during this current time and is providing the following community activities, including newly adapted service provision:
- Online Health & Fitness sessions: Exercises, Diet and Nutrition advice, and tips to keep active and healthy;
- Online Mindfulness sessions: to support and improve Mental Health;
- Telephone (Mentoring) Support: an on-going service specifically to support vulnerable young people in supported/temporary/sheltered accommodation;
- Videos: Covering the following topics – ‘Your Mindset & Taking Action’; ‘Attitude & Mindset’: Fixed, Growth and Benefit; ‘Confidence, Motivation & Visualisation’; ‘Self-Discipline, Your Behaviour & Squashing Limiting Beliefs’; and ‘Building Resilience’.
Our Foundation team will also volunteer at local Foodbanks and assist with the collection and home delivery of food, wherever possible.
We are also in conversation with Kent County Council and Local Borough Councils to explore where we can assist them and other service providers in the Kent & Medway region for a collective community response.
The Street Soccer Foundation will continue to do all we can to help others who need help the most, all the while adhering to UK Government and Public Health guidelines.
The Government has advised the public to follow the latest NHS guidelines, which can found at: nhs.uk/coronavirus.
Anyone who suspects they may have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should use the NHS’s online 111 service at: 111.nhs.uk.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact our team by emailing: hello@streetsoccerfoundation.org.uk.
Together, we are Stronger. Together, Changing Lives through Football.