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Get On Track Launched in Reading
www.dkhlegacytrust.org, 17 March 2010
Yesterday saw the DKH Legacy Trust, working in partnership with the John Madejski Academy to support disadvantaged young people recruited from across the Reading area. The programme is designed to make local jobless youngsters ‘fit for employment’. After the huge success of the pilot scheme in Knowsley, Dame Kelly has high hopes for the young people of Reading, especially as the project now has the support of Sir John Madejski and his Academy.
Dame Kelly said: “Currently, close to one million young people nationwide are not in education, employment or training, the local partners in Reading are forward thinking and we know this is a real priority for them.
“I strongly believe that the young people need help, someone to believe in them and help them find their own talents.
“That’s where I want my charity, the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust, to make a difference, through the Get on Track Programme. I believe this project will help the young people across Reading make real changes in their lives, providing practical support towards securing work placements and employment.”
One of the young people taking part in the scheme is 19-year-old Laura Childs. She said: “This project is so different because I now have a mentor who is a world-class athlete!
“I have loved today and will be coming back tomorrow I can’t wait.”
Funded by Comic Relief, the Get on Track programme provides stepping stones for vulnerable young people to get involved in volunteering, work placements and employment opportunities. They are supported through this process by elite sports mentors who, having experienced the highs and lows of world class competition, know what it is like to face adversity and overcome the odds to succeed.
Dame Kelly, along with businessman Sir John Madejski, began by urging local businesses to pledge work placements and jobs for young people to aim for at the end of the course.
Meanwhile, the young people have begun a range of practical workshops and activities, designed to help them to think about the steps they need to take to begin to change their lives, and have a greater prospect of gaining qualifications or employment in the future.
The young people will work with Commonwealth and World Champions swimmer Adam Whitehead, in-line skater Jenna Downing and skateboarder Neil Danns.
From yesterday until Thursday they will be taking part in activities to promote team building, the development of effective communication skills, and goal setting.
Sir John, chairman of Reading Football Club, said: “The opportunity to draw experience and inspiration from someone of the standing of Dame Kelly comes rarely for most people.
“We are delighted that the young people of Reading will be able to do this in developing their talents. They will be able to see how important self belief, confidence and mental toughness are in pursuing their goals. They will get a valuable insight into how it can sometimes be hard to achieve our goals and how we can overcome the hurdles and achieve success.”
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