Annual Report 2016-2017 - Society of St James · SAINTS4SPORT Annual Report 2016-2017 4. THE PARTNERSHIP The Society of St James (SSJ) has worked in partnership with The Saints Foundation

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SAINTS4SPORT Annual Report 2016-2017

Annual Report

2016-2017

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CONTENTS 1. Introduction

2. History

3. Demographics

4. The Partnership

5. Research Article

6. Staff

7. Saints4Sport

8. The Sports

9. Mental Health

10. Education & Employment

11. Criminal Justice Clients

12. Where do referrals come from?

13. Home & Away

14. Data & KPI’s

15. Financial update

16. Future Plans

17. Case Studies

18. Final Thought

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1. INTRODUCTION

This report will show the highlights of the last 12 months. We will be looking in detail at each of the

activities we offer and examine how the project has performed with our KPI (Key Performance

Indicator) data. Most importantly we will be demonstrating how the project has helped people improve

their lives and celebrate their successes through case studies. We will focus on some longer term

case studies to show the lasting benefit of Saints4Sport.

At Saints4Sport (S4S) we recognise that sport has three main areas of benefit: physical,

psychological and social. We believe that we can use sport as a method for positive transformation by

helping to improve our clients’ quality of life, self-esteem, physical and mental wellbeing.

Over the year the project has sustained and grown its comprehensive programme of sport and

educational activities that has essentially led to a reduction in crime, substance and alcohol misuse

while increasing physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing amongst adults at risk in Southampton.

The programme has also continued to develop pathways in education and employment therefore

increasing the opportunities for participants to lead a healthy, balanced and conventional way of life in

the community.

2. HISTORY

Saints4Sport (S4S) was created in 2011, when Southampton Football Club’s charitable arm

approached local homelessness charity The Society St James (SSJ) to work in partnership. Originally

Saints4Sport was firmly embedded within SSJ’s Drugs Intervention Program (DIP), which was a

service for people with substance misuse issues who were part of the criminal justice system. These

clients were historically some of the hardest to engage people that SSJ worked with. It was soon

apparent that sport could be used as a tool for engagement and a vessel for change. These clients

were turning up, sometimes for hours on end to attend Saints4Sport sessions.

Soon other SSJ projects were referring into the project, referrals came in from hostels, mental health

units and alcohol accommodation. As word spread about the positive impact of Saints4Sport,

referrals started arriving from many different agencies and organisations that provided help to

vulnerable adults. Across the city some examples of this would be the A&E department, GP’s and

other organisations that provided help to refugees, sex workers and exploited individuals that were

sex trafficked or part of modern day slavery.

From its inception the project has become much more inclusive and although it still has a high amount

of clients affected by substance misuse, it has opened its arms to many more at risk individuals. We

are seeing more and more people attending our sessions affected by mental health issues, the stigma

around talking about mental health is slowly disappearing and the link between good health, exercise

and positive mental health is increasing.

3. DEMOGRAPHICS This section looks at the most recent data and local strategies which highlight the continued need for

a project such as S4S in an economic climate that sees local services sustaining significant funding

cuts.

Deprivation

In the most recently published Index of Multiple Deprivation 2015 (IMD 2015) by The Department of

Communities and Local Government, Southampton is more deprived than in 2010. This Index

provides a relative ranking of areas across England according to their level of deprivation based on

factors such as Income, Employment, Education, Health and Crime. Where the 1st in the list is the

most deprived, Southampton now ranks at 67 out of 326 Local Authorities from being 81st in 2010.

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Mental Health

In Southampton there are:

2,758 people registered with their GP as having a severe and enduring mental illness (schizophrenia,

bipolar disorder and other psychosis).13,800 people registered with their GP as having depression

(with a diagnosis since 2006). Not everyone who has a mental health problem is registered with a GP

or has a diagnosis so the true figure is likely to be significantly higher.

This gives a Crude Depression prevalence rate that is slightly higher than the National average and a

Crude Mental Illness prevalence rate that is significantly above the National rate.

Crime

Southampton Safe City Strategy 2014-17 highlights ‘reducing crime and anti-social behaviour’ and

‘reducing the harm caused by drugs and alcohol’ as key priorities for the city. The strategy identifies

that in comparison to similar group of authorities Southampton is 12/15 for all crime and Hampshire

Constabulary recorded a 19% increase in recorded crime in 15/16. The recorded violent crime rate in

Southampton has also continued to rise (by 45%) in 2015/16, with rates significantly higher than all

comparator areas except Portsmouth. Additionally, anti-social behaviour continues to be raised as a

priority for neighbourhood policing teams across the city and incorporates the main concerns

highlighted in the 2016 residents’ survey. However, it is important to highlight, as mentioned in

Southampton Safe City Strategic Assessment 2015/16 that offenders (or those at risk of offending)

frequently suffer from multiple and complex issues which can impact on offending behaviour, including

mental and physical health problems, learning difficulties, substance misuse, homelessness and have

an increased risk of premature mortality. Furthermore substance misuse remains linked to criminality

and victimisation in the city, not to mention their associated harms to health.

Southampton Drugs Strategy 2017-2020

1 in 12 adults aged 16-59 in England and Wales took an illicit drug in 2015/16. This equates to around

17,000 people in Southampton. It is estimated that 1,649 people in Southampton use opiates and/or

crack cocaine and 636 people inject drugs.

Drug-related deaths and drug-related violence are both increasing.

The vision is that Southampton is a city where people work together to make individuals and

communities safer and more resilient, by using an evidence based approach to reduce the harm

caused by illicit drugs.

Saints4Sport is embedded in the Southampton Drug and Alcohol Services so is therefore integral to

the Drug Strategy Outcome ‘Effective treatment and wide ranging support is available for people who

use drugs, enabling them to achieve a good quality of life’

Cuts to Drug & Alcohol Treatment

Nationally substance misuse services have had their funding substantially cut, Southampton’s Drug

and Alcohol recovery service have had theirs reduced by14%, this has put a huge strain on the

organisations and staff that are running service.

Conclusion

This information shows that Southampton has become more deprived whilst the city has higher than

average Mental health illness along with increasing rates of crime and drug related deaths. Cuts in

Local Government spending which affects many frontline services mean that projects like

Saints4Sport can help fill the gaps in treatment and provide valuable support to those that need it the

most.

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4. THE PARTNERSHIP

The Society of St James (SSJ) has worked in partnership with The Saints Foundation over the past

six years to develop a sustainable programme of developmental activity which helps around 400

participants per year, providing a tangible and successful catalyst for change. SSJ’s extensive

knowledge and work around supporting people’s complex issues such as substance misuse,

homelessness, physical and mental health concerns for over the last 45 years, across Hampshire,

have ensured positive outcomes for participants, many of whom have previously failed to engage with

traditional services.

SSJ staff are fully trained in substance misuse, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioural

Therapy, conflict resolution, suicidal behaviours, high risk situations, dealing with Aggression,

Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults, Safeguarding Children and many more areas specific to this client

group.

They also have long term links with criminal justice services and partnerships with a myriad of support

services across Southampton.

The Saints Foundation offer many unique opportunities for the client group, they have their own media

team, function rooms (at the stadium), sports coaches, publicity opportunities (website, match day

programs) that reaches hundreds of thousands which gives our project and service users exposure,

they offer free tickets to matches (which many of the service users would not normally be able to

afford) , free kits and tracksuits, chance to play on a Premier League pitch, opportunity to play at

Southampton FC’s state of the art training ground, annual trip abroad (Belgium), and various work

opportunities in and around the stadium such as stewarding or working for Halo (catering).

Both organisations fund Saints4Sport separately so as

the project is not just relying on one source of funding,

SSJ and The Saints Foundation combined have

managed to source over £100,000 a year to run the

project.

5. RESEARCH ARTICLE

In July 2017 Andrew Adams, Kevin Harris & Dr.Iain

Lindsey from Southampton Solent University published

an article in Sport in Society titled’ Examining the capacity of a sport for development programme to

create social capital’. This had captured in-depth and longitudinal data from Saints4Sport participants

and key stakeholders over the duration of 3 years. Interviews and focus groups took place at the

venues where the sports took place and the issues explored were the participant’s experience of the

programme, their relationship within and beyond it, and their views on the short and long-term

outcomes of their involvement.

Overall, this paper explored how a sport-based social intervention programme can be understood via

the use of James Coleman’s rational strain of social capital. Using the six types of social capital that

Coleman identified, and taking a micro-analytic approach, the paper explored the creation and

outcomes of social capital through the relationships that participants had with other participants, as

well as the relationships they had with staff involved in delivering the programme and its activities.

In particular, the analysis clarifies the nature of social relations amongst participants and between

staff and participants, indicating how perceptions of social relationships, interactions and exchanges

differ between the factions. Bottom-up peer-to-peer relationships characterized by interpersonal trust

were vital in enabling outcomes for participants. Relations between staff and participants necessitated

a different balance on the part of staff members. This balance was recognized by participants as a

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necessary part of the programme’s processes and engendered obligations from participants to staff

as a result. Certainly, the sport contexts and attempts by staff to balance authority and friendliness

provided a context for the development of generalized trust.

My Observations- Ashley Christopher -Saints4Sport Team Leader.

Having only been with Saints4Sport for 18 months, what I’ve found most interesting is the way the

S4S staff team engages and motivates clients by empowering them through increasing their self-

belief. It’s a very powerful and moving spectacle to witness when a client grows in confidence and

push themselves to achieve more and then the realisation they have just pushed themselves beyond

the point they ever thought was possible.

What has also impressed me is watching the staff manage difficult situations and the respect they

have from the clients. In particular at football, tempers can get heated and it needs an assertive

approach to quell the situation that is brewing.

6. THE STAFF

As the research highlighted, the relationship between staff and the service users is an integral part of

how Saints4Sport engages and supports people. In this section we look at each member of the S4S

team and the qualities they bring to their role.

Dean Latona (BA Hons) – Manager

Dean has 9 years’ experience of managing within the

substance misuse sector. He is the former service manager of

Southampton Drugs Intervention Program and is currently

employed as the Psychosocial treatment manager within

Southampton’s drug and alcohol treatment service. Prior to

this he managed within the Homelessness sector. Dean co-

founded Saints4Sport back in 2010 with Saints Foundation

worker Phil Hastings. Dean manages the project from The

Society of St James side.

Dean with Esther Rantzen at The Third Sector Awards

Ashley Christopher (BSc Hons) - Team Leader

Ashley has a Bsc Hons in Therapeutic Intervention for Addictions. He has worked in a number of

substance misuse services for 15 years from key-worker through to service manager. This year

Ashley has brought much of his experience from Substance misuse services into the Saints4Sport

project in the way of processes and procedures, such as Risk Registers and Safeguarding.

As well as being team leader Ashley also set up and facilitates Brake the Cycle thanks to Public Health England grant. Ashley is a keen open-water swimmer, swimming in the sea all year round and regularly encouraging new swimmers to venture into open-water. Photo of Ashley swimming the

English channel August 2017

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Lisa Latona- BA Hons- Project officer

Lisa Latona holds a BA Hons degree in Criminology with a

passion for addressing substance misuse, a previous non

specialist addiction counsellor she has 13 years’ experience of

working with adults at risk in Southampton and Bournemouth.

Lisa has spent most of her career working in intensive support

hostels key working the most vulnerable all with an array of

complex support needs, before moving over to Saints Foundation

Lisa worked closely in the criminal justice system sector and

overseeing the integrated offender management house. More

recently Lisa has gained her qualifications in football coaching

and personal training in order to provide a first class delivery and

support model for the Participants.

Scott Jones- Sports Coordinator

Scott has been involved in boxing for over 20 years and for the

last 10 years he has been coaching and is a qualified boxing tutor. He has owned his own pro gym

training elite level fighters to multiple championships. He has been lucky enough to work with some of

the best trainers and fighters around the world. He now runs Spartans fight club delivering boxing

sessions for all ability's including kids and women only classes.

Clare Freemantle - BA Hons - Administrator/Employment Officer

Clare Freemantle is an English degree graduate with

experience in working within a substance misuse clinical

service, Saints4Sport and Structured Intervention team.

During this time Clare has facilitated and supported different

psychosocial groups, including Creative Writing, Fishing,

Golf and Health & Social NVQ’s. Alongside this Clare is also

running the European Social Funded Employment Project.

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Kabir Breathen – Project worker

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Kevin Stow - Sessional Worker

Kevin Stow is a sessional worker with Saints4Sport and SSJ, helping with Needle exchange, Tai Chi

and occasional keyworking. He started working with SSJ in reception at Southampton Drug & Alcohol

Recovery Service, after coming through their volunteering programme B2V, where he was the first

point of contact for clients wanting to access Drug and Alcohol treatment. Within this role he also

conducted blood borne virus testing for Hepatitis C and HIV. Kev has his own history of substance

misuse before completing treatment giving him insight and empathy to the client he now supports.

Stewart Roberts – Sessional Worker I joined the team because I love mountain biking and at 60+ I couldn’t find anyone else of my age that still hadn’t grown up. I first heard about the S4S Mountain biking through my job in the substance misuse team at HMP Winchester. Prior to SSJ and HMPW I worked at a residential rehab and as a regular volunteer at the Winchester Churches Night Shelter. Before all of that I raised three boys and let them loose on the world whilst having a career in IT Outsourcing. I now live “peacefully” with my partner Jenny. Through S4S and Cycling UK I’ve received training in mountain bike group leadership, outdoor first aid and minibus driving. My training at HMPW has included safeguarding, manipulation and conditioning, group facilitation skills, mental health and complex needs. I’ve completed NVQ Level 3: Health and Social Care (substance misuse specialism). I’m an ardent believer in the benefits of the S4S programmes. I love meeting with and getting to know the service users and, of course, I love mountain biking.

7. SAINTS4SPORT

Saints4Sport consists of 4 key strands which include sports-based activities, training and

accreditations, volunteering, and employment. These key strands comprise of prison and community

based delivery that provides support for vulnerable adults, offenders, and people with other complex

issues.

The combination of activities creates a routine, helping to divert participants from their existing daily

routines and to break the cycle associated with crime and substance misuse. The S4S delivery model

uses one Saints Foundation and one SSJ staff member in all sessions providing expertise across all 4

strands. The next section looks in detail at all sports on offer in the regular sessions.

8. SPORTS

Box Fit

The Box Fit sessions consist of learning the

skills of Boxing alongside fitness and

conditioning. We start with a warm up and

stretching. This is followed by boxing based

drills which allow the clients to learn new

skills, and then we concentrate on fitness.

The session is run in a fun and friendly

environment whilst also respecting the focus

and discipline it takes to Box. The benefits of

boxing include improvement in fitness,

muscle tone, core strength whilst helping to

control aggression and relieve stress.

“We always have a great laugh whilst training really hard"

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“My favourite Saints4Sport session is the boxing as it helps get out my frustrations about

what's happening in my life at the moment”

“I’ve discovered a love for a sport that if it wasn't for Saints4Sport I would never of had the

confidence to try"

“My weekly Boxing session with Saints4Sport is the highlight of my week"

Kick Boxing

Saints4Sport kickboxing session is run by Stacey de Ste-Croix a ‘3rd Dan black belt’ and winner of

multiple titles. The session includes warm up and stretching followed by learning all aspects of

kickboxing (kicks, point scoring and defence). After the clients have been coming for a while and are

at the right skill level they then progress onto light sparring. This is done in a controlled relaxed way

that the clients love and really look forward to.

"S4S sessions have led to me taking up kickboxing in my own time. By kickboxing in the

evening it keeps me away from old mates"

"I feel stronger and fitter than I've ever felt. Thank you Stacey"

"I feel like a new person, I love the sparring as I get to test what I have learnt knowing that it's

controlled and I won't get hurt."

Gym session

Our gym sessions are the most popular activity Saints4Sport run,

with often over 20 attending each session. Such was the demand we

added an additional session to the weekly programme allowing

clients to attend the gym for 2 hours 3 times a week Tuesday,

Thursday and Friday.

The gym is fully equipped with free weights, resistant machine and

cardio vascular equipment offering something for everyone.

All new clients are given a gym induction which consists of showing

them how to use each piece of equipment. The gym can cater for all

levels and the staff will devise a training programme to suit individual

ability if it is requested.

"When I first went to the gym I was very nervous as I’d not been

to a gym before. As soon as I walked in I felt at ease. The

Saints4Sport team made me feel welcome and now I love it"

"Since joining the gym sessions my body has changed shape

and my confidence has rocketed"

"The gym is my new drug of choice"

"I have always loved the gym but due to a shortage of money I could no longer afford to

attend. Then I discovered Saints4Sports and now attend the gym 3 times a week for free."

“I enjoy attending Saints4sport, especially the gym, as I feel it is good for my recovery”

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Golf- Driving Range

The Golf sessions offer an activity that it less physically demanding than some of our others. With the

golf, clients need to have patience, control, and concentration. Many clients find this a good way to

release their frustrations.

The sessions are outside at the driving range and once a month the clients have a golf lesson from a

professional golfer, who teaches the clients the basics of the sport.

‘Not having tried golf before, I’ve now found a new

interest’

‘Enjoyable and good exercise’

‘Every time I go to golf I see small improvements with my

game. If I didn’t come to golf I’d be at home playing

computer games or watching TV’

‘Golf helps me get out, I then feel better for the whole day’

Women Only Keep Fit and Self-protection

Women's only get fit and self-protection group is a way for women to get fit, have fun, improve

confidence and learn self-protection techniques in a female-only environment. It is open for all abilities

and levels of fitness. Stacey runs the class with enthusiasm and music to get the class moving. The

class can range from a few to around 10 and every week is different. The session always starts with a

warm up then moves on to a range of

activities such as weights, with elements of

kick-boxing, boxing and cardio using a

variety of equipment. Some of the work

includes teaming up and working in pairs and

there is a bond between the women who

attend the group. At the end there are some

stretches to cool down. From attending this

group, women have opened up more,

become more confident, fit and enjoy the

benefits of exercise.

“I'm very grateful for everything that you've done for me”

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Tai Chi

Tai chi is often described as "meditation in motion”. There is growing evidence that this mind-body

practice, which originated in China as a martial art, has value in treating or preventing many health

problems. And you can get started even if you aren't in top shape or the best of health.

In this low-impact, slow-motion exercise, you go without pausing through a series of motions named

for animal actions — for example, "white crane spreads its wings". As you move, you breathe deeply

and naturally, focusing your attention — as in some kinds of meditation — on your bodily sensations.

Tai chi differs from other types of exercise in several respects. The movements are usually circular

and never forced, the muscles are relaxed rather than tensed, the joints are not fully extended or bent,

and connective tissues are not stretched. Tai chi can be easily adapted for anyone.

Other Benefits

● Better mood, with lower levels of depression, stress, and anxiety.

● Greater aerobic capacity and muscle strength.

● More energy and stamina.

● Enhanced flexibility, control, balance, and agility.

● Lower blood pressure and improved heart health.

● Teaches discipline

Master They

We are very lucky to have Master They as our Tai Chi Master. Master They Soon Tuan started his training in martial arts at seven years of age, spending at least five hours a day practising. He was subsequently schooled in various styles under prominent Chinese masters. With encouragement from his teachers he studied various forms of Tai Chi, Chi Kung and Kung Fu including Wing Chun, Crane style, and Mantis systems. He finally studied under Master Wu Song Fa.

Upon Master They's arrival in the UK he realised that Wushu had been greatly misrepresented and started teaching in 1977. The School was registered with the national governing bodies in 1981. His aim was to provide correct tuition in authentic Chinese martial arts (Wushu) in order to live a healthier and more content life.

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As well as his role as founder of Wutan UK (currently the largest Chinese martial arts school in the UK and training many others) and sharing over 40 years of martial arts knowledge, Master They is currently:

• Taolu Director of the British Council for Chinese Martial Arts (BCCMA), training many top athletes including many UK and international champions.

● International Wushu Judge (since 1997 - recognised by the International Wushu Federation, IWuF, of 72 countries) and head European Wushu (EWuF) Judge.

● Working with Professor Bai, the trainer of the most successful British Wushu Team. He also is the head trainer of Southampton University Wushu club.

“Tai Chi allows an hour of calmness, quiet and serenity”

“I found the disciplines learnt in Tai Chi have been transferable to other areas of life”

Brake the Cycle

In 2016, Society of St James was awarded a Public Health England ‘recovery capital grant’ to start the

Recovery Cycle activity. Saints4Sport has successfully rolled out its ‘Brake the Cycle’ session

allowing clients to escape to the countryside and away from the city for a few hours every week. This

break from city life to the New Forest is hugely beneficial towards increasing their physical and mental

health. With this grant money we were able to buy 15 mountain bikes, trailer, 17-seater minibus,

safety equipment and a double garage with CCTV and alarms.

Since the last report ‘Brake the Cycle’ has faced its challenges. We had two attempted break-ins at

the garage where the mountain bikes are stored. Fortunately, the thieves were disturbed before

anything was taken. On the first attempt the garage suffered extensive damage to the door which left

it unsecured. This resulted, in the entire garage contents of 15 bikes, trailer, bike maintenance

equipment, and fishing gear being relocated to another SSJ property, Jordan House, for 7weeks

whilst the garage door could be fixed. This made preparation for the cycling a lot more labour

intensive and time consuming. But we’re proud to announce that we only cancelled one cycling

session.

When we were back in the garage it was

only a few weeks later that we had

another attempted break-in. Once again

we relocated to Jordan House. This time

we significantly boosted security by

putting a 5ft gate in front of the garage

door.

Recently we moved the session from

Fridays to Thursdays. By doing this we

are able to join up with the ReFit project

in Portsmouth on a fortnightly basis. This

enabled us to venture further afield to

take on greater cycle challenges by

riding mountain bike tracks at Queen

Elizabeth Country Park, Swinley Forest

in Bracknell, and Bury Hill Houghton

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near Arundel. These rides really test the clients’ mountain bike cycling skills and fitness, pushes

them outside of their comfort zone, learn new skills, assessing and managing risks, gives them an

exciting experience, fun and laughter. Whilst getting wet and muddy, ‘good clean fun’!!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bz4GcQcND8bHRi1vdnVnYjR0Wkk/view

https://www.relive.cc/view/1259551711

https://www.strava.com/activities/1267884693

‘This is going to save my life’

‘Cycling out here will keep me out of jail’

‘Getting out in the country away from the city just de-stresses me’

‘This is great’

Quote From Stewart Robert Cycle Facilitator

‘What do service users get when they come on the trips? Well that depends on which of them

you ask but it’s more than a bike ride. It’s: a change of environment; a time converter; a

chance to be in the right kind of company; doing something difficult and feeling good about

yourself; having fun; the excitement and thrill of the adrenalin rush; good exercise in the fresh

air; banter, camaraderie, teamwork; playing; showing off; falling off; laughing. It’s also a

chance to talk to someone who’s neutral and has time to listen; a time for reflection.

Oh and there’s always cake before travelling back in the minibus and feeling one of the gang.

What the service users get out of the rides is often not what they were expecting but there are

a lot of smiley faces as they get off the minibus at the end. Isn’t that Just what the doctor

ordered’

Additional Funding

Through the continued support of ‘Cycling UK’ we’ve managed to put 3 volunteers through the MIAS

Mountain Bike Leadership two day course and the Outdoor Activity First Aid two day course. These

volunteers help with the running of each cycle ride we do. This gives the volunteers great experience

in interacting with clients, motivating them, managing groups, dynamic risk assessment and risk

management.

Cycling UK also bought us equipment for our cycle maintenance course and recently put in for £500

grant for new helmets and repairs to the existing bikes.

Running the Session

At the beginning of every cycle ride the facilitator will ask the clients to check the bikes are safe and

ready to use e.g. wheels are secure, seat adjustments, tyres inflated, brakes and gears are working.

This is followed by a safety talk.

Most rides will have at least 2 facilitators. One will lead the group, map reading and setting the pace.

The other facilitator/s will situate themselves along the group with one at the very back. The challenge

can be setting a pace that suits all the abilities. Often we have to split into two groups with the more

able and faster riders going on head. This group will cycle a longer and faster route. The slower group

with go at a pace that is suitable for them.

Safety is paramount. We are often in remote locations along way from any emergency services, so if

an accident occurs it will take some time before the paramedics can arrive. Fortunately the only

injuries have been minor bumps and grazes.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bz4GcQcND8bHRi1vdnVnYjR0Wkk/view

https://www.relive.cc/view/1259551711

https://www.strava.com/activities/1267884693

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Running repairs often need to be done. Fixing punctures are the most common repairs followed by

chains coming off and sometimes getting twisted and bent. This will then require the bent links to be

removed.

Case study- Matt

Matt has always cycled. Throughout his youth he used to get on his

road bike and to go on long and fast rides around Hampshire and

Buckinghamshire. However, unlike most people he wasn’t cycling

simply for sport or for enjoyment – he felt that he needed to ‘punish’

himself after going on a drinking binge. Matt struggled with

alcoholism and addiction for years, and would enter cycles of

drinking for several days, which would only be broken up by going

on the bike. Matt says, ‘I wouldn’t call it an exaggeration to say that

cycling has saved my life. It provided me with a sort of focus to stop

and get out on the road instead.’

Although Matt had cycling as a positive focus, he was still trapped

in vicious cycle of drinking and drug abuse, which also affected his

ability to be physically active. He referred himself to the Society of

St James in 2016, which is a charity that works with people affected

by substance abuse, mental health and homelessness. Matt

worked through his issues by going to group work sessions and

therapy, and ended up being taken on as a volunteer. He heard that

a cycling group was being set up by the Saints4Sport programme.

Matt was keen to volunteer for the cycling project, ‘Brake the Cycle’,

which is a Cycling UK supported community club.

Matt has become an important team member and helper with the rides. Through Cycling UK, he has

obtained training as a mountain bike leader and for first aid. He now plots routes for the group to ride,

helps to set up the bikes and the trailers, and helps to lead the rides. Matt was integral to the running

of the cycling after the break ins. Matt says that when he started at SSJ, he was impatient with the

seemingly chaotic structure due to his own control issues and need for structure, but through riding

with the group he has become a lot more relaxed and patient with other riders in the group. He feels

like he can chat about his issues more in the cycling group than in the group work sessions as it’s less

informal. Matt says, “Working within this activity has greatly increased my personal insights,

awareness of self and others, and empathy towards others. Achieving the relevant qualifications has

also been very fulfilling.”

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Football

Saints4Sport run a weekly football session that caters for all abilities. We play 5-a-side matches and

do training drills that help each client improve their skill set and all round game. We play on all

weather pitches which allow us to play all year round. We also have the chance to play in

tournaments and leagues across the south of England picking up many trophies including winning the

annual ‘Equality League’. Once a year Saints4Sports organise and run a tournament that was

attended by 15 teams this year from across Hampshire and surrounding area made up of Police,

Private companies, clients from homelessness hostels and substance misuse services, community

Mental health Services. We also offer FA level 1 coaching courses that allow clients to get a football

qualification.

"I have always had a love for football but never had the confidence to play the game. After

talking to a member of the Saints4Sports staff I was invited to come along and join in. I am

now the proud owner of numerous medals something I could only of ever dreamed of"

"Football has allowed me to leave behind negative friendship groups and become a part of a

positive group of people"

Fishing

“It offers a sense of mindfulness and relaxation, alongside the benefits of working as a group.”

The 6 week accredited Fishing Course, run by FLE

Fishery in Romsey, provides service users the

opportunity to learn several different disciplines of

angling and covers a wide range of practical fishing

skills. The course facilitators employ a flexible

approach, tailoring sessions to the needs and skill

levels of attendees, with extra support allowing each

individual's success to be celebrated.

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The course itself gives attendees an opportunity to boost

their confidence and build skills to make positive steps

towards further learning or employment. The Fishery is

located in a rural setting, affording attendees a peaceful

and relaxing environment away from the busyness of life.

At the end of the course, all attendees attain an Angling

Trust Cast Award and a free Day Ticket at the FLE Fishery,

providing a useful bridge to solidify the skills they have

gained whilst completing the course.

9. MENTAL HEALTH

Year on year our project is attracting more clients that suffer with mental health issues, the link

between good physical health and good mental health is becoming much more apparent.

Saints4sport works with clients who have a multitude of mental health issues from those suffering

from depression or anxiety to severe mental health problems such as schizophrenia.

Having a mental health condition can put participants at an even higher risk of developing serious

physical health problems. This is why the project is instrumental to improving both physical and

mental wellbeing.

It is proven by medical professionals that physical exercise improves the emotional and mental

wellbeing of our participants. For mild depression, physical activity can be equally as good as

antidepressants or psychological treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Saints4Sport

understands that it can be harder to get active when you are depressed and this is where the

Saints4Sport staff actively support and encourage these participants to engage. Being active lifts their

mood and gives them a sense of being in control and in touch with other people.

Simon Masterson – Care coordinator for the early intervention Psychosis team “From my own point

of view, the referral process is straightforward. I have supported our service users to attend

many Saints4Sport groups and have found the staff to be welcoming, encouraging and

supportive. We have a number of service users that regularly attend the activities on offer and

their feedback about the groups is very positive. Our consultant psychiatrist, Dr Hansen,

recently attended the boxing group and was impressed about how well the class was run, how

positive the staff were the and how beneficial this was to our service users mental health.

I hope that we our able to continue to foster close working relationships with Saints4Sport, so

that our service users can continue to benefit from this excellent resource”

The project understands the importance of recognising and supporting service users with mental

health issues and Saints4Sport recently engaged in a national initiative on World Mental Health Day

on Tuesday 10th October 2017. S4S held a tea and talk event at St. Mary’s stadium with service users

and leads in the mental health sector discussing and sharing experiences. This event welcomed key

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professionals from the Early Intervention psychosis team so participants could be educated on what

support was on offer for them in the community. There were also participants who had previously or

currently suffered from mental health issues. This hugely successful event was documented in a

media piece on Saints Foundation social media sites.

https://youtu.be/RqphUMFMOWE

"Saints4Sport is not only inspirational for clients, but for the staff who support them to attend

too, the staff have a collaborative, holistic ethos focused on recovery". Pete Briggs, EIP Care

Coordinator (CMHN) Early Intervention in Psychosis Service.

10. EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT

Training, education and employment

During the reporting period, the Saints4Sport project has developed a variety of training and

educational pathways, specifically focussing on three key themes of: sports, life skills and

employment. 124 unique individuals have enrolled on the following course.

- GNVQ health and social care Level 2 and 3

- Customer service Level 2 and 3

- First Aid

- City and Guild Bike Maintenance level 1

- Disability discrimination in the work place

- Level 2 understanding stewarding at spectator events

- Introduction to customer service

- Introduction to criminology

- Diploma in criminology

- Functional skills in maths and English

The customer service course, and the GNVQ health and social care are all 38 week courses which

span over an academic year, this course has been extremely popular and the project now delivers this

over three community based settings due to the amount of participants enrolled.

17 participants will finish their level 2 in GNVQ health and social care at the end of November. This

course has been running for one academic year. This course has been a huge success and having

participants commit to a whole year of learning has been a huge achievement. The learners will be

rewarded with a graduation ceremony with the Southampton Mayor in attendance to congratulate

them for their hard work and commitment.

“St Vincent’s College is a college which actively embraces diversity and inclusion. The

partnership with Saints4Sport has supported us to empower a group of vulnerable adults to

enrich their future prospects through education and they help to support them into

employment within the community”. - St Vincent College” - Virginia Thompson

Saints4Sport had planned to run a FA level 1 award in football coaching course in this reporting

period however in July 2017 the FA changed the way this was delivered which meant that the new

course content had to span over four weeks and include a numbers of hours of coaching in the

community. The new course set up meant that it was not feasible for our client group to do this so the

project decided to run another Level 2 in understanding stewarding at spectator events course after

the success of the March course which lead to employment of 6 participants. The next stewarding

course is due to start on the 13th November and we have 15 places available for our participants.

https://youtu.be/RqphUMFMOWE

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S4S clients that gained their stewarding qualifications.

Saints4Sport are currently running a four week employability course. The course is a bespoke delivery

of a level 2 in customer service with added employability skills, including CV writing and mock

interviews. The project has made significant links with different sectors of the football club and the

participants have the opportunity to meet managers in Retail, security, fundraising and hospitality to

learn about the job roles and responsibilities in this sector. In the final week of the course the

participants will have a celebration day and have the opportunity to apply for jobs within the club. All of

the Saints4Sport courses are delivered in an informal setting and are fully supported by Saints4Sport

staff. It is essential that we make the beneficiaries feel comfortable in a learning environment to

maintain their engagement and enthusiasm for the course.

‘I take my hat off to this programme: I’ve got a massive amount of respect for what the staff

do. Without them I would be stuffed, completely stuffed. There is no other way without them. I

would never have got the opportunities, and I would never have got the job that I am in now

without their support’.

At the end of November after the completion of the GNVQ Health and social care course, the

stewarding course and another first aid

course the amount of participants who

have gained a qualification will be 168,

therefore exceeding our 12 month target.

First Aid Training

City & Guild level 1 Bike Maintenance

As part of Cycling UK grant Saints4Sport

were also able to set up a City & Guild

level 1 Bike Maintenance course in

partnership of Totton College, utilising the double garage with workbenches, toolkits and bike stands

to teach service users the basic life skills of bike maintenance.

We had 4 people complete their City & Guilds Level Bike maintenance, even with the disruption of the

break-ins and relocation of the lessons. Certificates and bike toolkits were presented at St. Mary's

Stadium, by The Society of St. James, CEO Trevor Pickup.

For one client this was the first educational certificate they had ever received.

Currently the course is not running but staff are working with partners to get it up and running again.

Premier Inn Our employment partnership with The Premier Inn have led to many of our clients getting full-time and part-time employment within their hotels. We run a two week work placement with a chance for

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employment at the end, in two of the hotels in the City centre. We’re currently in the middle of promoting a recruitment day for the new hotel opening next month in the City centre. The benefit of our Premier Inn Scheme is that a client is able to gain employment even if they have a history of substance use and a criminal record. Premier Inn case study

Andrew’s work trial leads to job in hospitality

Andrew*, aged 23, from Southampton has a new focus thanks to paid employment with Premier Inn.

He was put forward for a work trial by his Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Rehabilitation

Company (CRC) case manager, Allison. Andrew is managed by the CRC whilst on licence since

leaving prison in February 2017 after serving half of his four-year sentence for theft.

The young man admits that he was a ‘prolific offender’. Andrew was first arrested at the age of 15 for

stealing, and progressed from petty crime to major business thefts. Andrew felt that he only knew how

to get by through crime, and many of his friends were involved in a criminal lifestyle.

Allison said: “Andrew has done really well. I knew he was worried about his criminal conviction and

being judged, but he also has a positive attitude. I’ve always seen a lot of potential in him. His

enthusiasm and ambition to get into employment has been rewarded.”

In the past, Andrew had been reluctant to work with agencies. He explained: “Before I met Allison, I

thought probation officers were threatening and focussed on sending me back to prison.”

However, Andrew began to trust his new case manager. He said: “Allison is really down to earth, I

could tell that she wanted to help me become a better person, rather than send me back to prison. I

said that I wanted paid work, and she found an opportunity for me. I always wanted a job, but I didn’t

think anyone would employ me because of my record.”

“Allison spent time with me at my appointments, sometimes over an hour. We spent each meeting

looking for a job. At one session, she told me about the job trial at the Premier Inn, arranged through

Saints for Sport.”

During the job trial, Andrew spent two weeks on the hotel reception. He was keen to learn and within

five days had picked up most of the computer systems and check-in processes. Andrew was also

mentored by an experienced member of the reception team.

“I enjoy working with people. It’s fun to talk to people who’ve travelled from the US, Canada and other

countries. I do long shifts on some days but time goes quickly.”

After a two-week trial, Andrew was offered a part-time job by the manager, but the 20-hour rota swiftly

became 38 – 40 hours with overtime. Andrew appreciates the things he spends his money on now

that he knows how much hard work goes into earning his wages.

Andrew explained: “It was new to me, being at the hotel and speaking to people without having my

guard up. My phone book was full of contacts involved in crime but now let go of these old associates.

Now I’m focused on working hard and going to the gym. I’m also saving up, so that one day I can start

my own gardening maintenance business.”

*name has been changed

“The partnership between Saints4Sport and Premier Inn regarding work placements and

potential employment is being run really well and in the past 3 months we have run 4

placements and successfully recruited 3 team members.”

“Due to another new opening of Premier Inn in Southampton in January, we are planning a

larger scale recruitment drive through the work placements to increase support and potential

employment. Also, I have mediated contact between Clare and a manager in the Portsmouth

area to increase the work placements as there are applicants wanting to join the program in

Portsmouth.”

“Over the years of running this program, we have employed numerous candidates who are

now key players, some in senior roles within the business and I see the levels of success

increasing as we move forward so thank you for all your support and I look forward to

continuing our partnership.” Premier Inn –Edd Bolton, Operations Manager

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The Big Issue

The Big Issue & Saints4Sport, in partnership with The Saints Foundation, were fortunate enough to be

featured in the Saints special edition of the Big Issue. This issue featured staff and participants who

have all benefitted from Saints4Sport, along with a piece on the work this service provides.

Furthermore two of our participants have now gained an employment opportunity selling The Big

Issue on match days and during the week in Southampton. This opportunity for the participants is a

great platform, not only for them but for Saints4Sport, with one of the participants stating that;

“Without Saints4Sport, I’d be drinking again. The tools they’ve given me over the past year have

helped me stay sober.” This project was also featured on local South Today and Sunday mornings

Match of the Day program

S4S client with Southampton FC’s Romanian

International player Florin Gardos

The BIg Issue highlighting the partnership

between SSJ and The Saints Foundation.

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Articles in The Big Issue on S4S

worker Kev & S4S participant Alistair.

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11. CRIMINAL JUSTICE CLIENTS

Prison based delivery

S4S has continued with its work in the local prison, with emphasis on offering support and structure to

prison leavers who wish to continue their treatment in the community. S4S’s work closely with HMP

Winchester to offer a structured sport and resettlement programme with a cohort of prisoners for four

weeks and this has led to a continued stream of service users engaging with S4S upon their release.

The S4S work with prisoners who have a year or less left to serve on their sentence and will be

released into Hampshire.

Over the last 10 months the project has maintained its structured programme of sport and bespoke

resettlement workshops, and during this time of delivery we have gathered feedback forms from the

prisoners to ensure that we are offering the most beneficial content to meet their needs. The project

delivers a relevant, and tailored made programme which has needed little intervention or change over

the last 5 months. The feedback received has led to tailored educational workshops being delivered

and has covered subjects around psychoactive substances and acceptance commitment therapy.

These bespoke workshops have encouraged involvement from prisoners who haven’t engaged in

other interventions and some have become more open to accepting support around their substance

use which has been reported by Phoenix futures – HMP Winchester interested substance misuse

team.

Cherrie Smallbone Interventions team manager at HMP

Winchester

“This programme offers exercise, fun and knowledge

in the form of sport and information workshops, The

emphasis is on “playing in a team”, learning new skills,

learning about services in the community that support

recovery and opportunities to continue with S4S in the

community. All abilities are catered for.

The S4Ss programme has been extremely successful within HMP Winchester. Currently in its

17th cohort approximately over 100 inmates have completed the 4 week programme. The

majority of these inmates were close to their release to the nearby area and many of these

individuals aimed to engage with the service when out in the community. All of the

programmes have been well received with comments such as the following being fed back to

us.”

“Great group, great service that they provide.”

“S4S provide a platform that is strong and help me get ready to be released from prison.”

“It’s been fun and the staff are great!”

Inmates are still requesting to be placed on the programme on a large scale and we are having

to ensure they understand that those being released to the local area within 6 months take

priority in attending. The course is so popular that some individuals are applying to re-attend

when they are within this criterion.

S4S has also received positive feedback to guest speakers who have previously been involved in

serious crime and have now made positive behaviour changes to lead successful lives in the

community. These guest speakers are now regularly attending our monthly cohort of the programme

and offer positivity and inspiration to serving prisoners.

The S4S project has recently started to recruit peer mentors within the prison – these peer mentors

are prisoners who have completed the sport and resettlement course but still have over six months

left on their sentence. Their role is to be an advocate for the project and talk to new prisoners who

have just come into the prison service about the course that the project offers – they signup prisoners

to the cohort waiting list and keep them updated of when a new course is about to start.

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These peer mentors have been an integral part of the project – having prisoners promote the benefits

of the projects on the wings have meant that they have engaged with some of the hardest to reach

clients. The mentors gain the skills to then become volunteers for the S4S project in the community,

therefore significantly improving ex-offenders resettlement into the community which has then

subsequently supported the reduction of re-offending behaviour.

‘I initially did the S4S course because it got me out of my cell for a few hours - but once I

started to attend I released what it was all about and why they were doing it – the sport was

just the carrot and I understand that now. It was great for the staff to treat us with respect and

talk about all the positive stuff I can do when I get released. I enjoyed it so much I felt like I

needed to let the lads know on the wings that they should do it. I asked if I could be a peer

mentor for the service to talk to the guys about it more officially and they (the staff) said it

would be a great idea. I now attend every week and promote it, and sign people up. It’s great.

I’m looking forward to being released and continuing to be a peer mentor for the project in the

community’

Prison peer mentor Gary.

“I am delighted that we have begun a partnership arrangement with Saints4Sport and that

some of those men in our care will get the opportunity to develop sporting interests which

may help them lead lives in the future that do not involve crime. I see this type of approach as

basis for building stronger and safer local communities and look forward to developing a long

lasting and successful relationship with Southampton football club” HMP Winchester – Gary

Wright, Head of Reducing Reoffending, HMP/YOI Winchester

I think S4S is a wonderful project which can be of great benefit to our service users within the

criminal justice system I am very happy to be a supporter – Caroline Gray Interchange Manager

(Senior Probation Officer)

Criminal Justice community based interventions

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The project has continued to work in partnership with the criminal justice system and those agencies

supporting service users on a Drug Rehabilitation Requirement (DRR). Service users on DRR’s who

are involved with the drug and alcohol support service have continued to have Saints4Sport

scheduled within their structured daily timetable.

Saints4Sport is used in the compulsory timetable for all DRR (part of Probations Hampshire DRR

Protocol) and IOM (Integrated Offender Management) service users. If service users fail to engage

with the support offered, then this increases the risk of returning to prison.

Saints4Sport continues to work jointly with Southampton approved premises, formerly known as

probation or bail hostels, they are residential units which house offenders in the community, and they

are recognised under the Offender Management Act 2007. The project works closely with offender

supervisors whom bring clients down to our sessions. A support pathway has been identified from the

prison work through to the approved premises as well as the IOM (Integrated offender management)

houses which means that Saints4Sport staff can build up a rapport with clients inside the prison so

their resettlement back into the community can be a smooth transition.

Over the past ten months Saints4Sport has resettled 35 ex-offenders into the community. These

include:

- 22 from the Integrated offender management house

- 6 from HMP Winchester

- 24 from approved premises

12. WHERE DO REFERRALS COME FROM?

In the last 12 months these are the diverse organisations that made the majority of referrals

into our project:

Care Grow Live (CGL) - A charity that provides varied Drug and Alcohol treatment across the

country.

Family Mosaic - is a housing association and has over 25,000 homes housing over 45,000 people

and is one of the largest housing providers in London, Essex and the South East of England.

Two Saints - A housing charity that provides accommodation with support and resettlement services.

Early Intervention Program - They assess, treat and support young people who are or who maybe

in the early stages of a psychotic illness.

Community Rehabilitation Company (CRC) -Private-sector supplier of probation and Prison-based

rehabilitative services for offenders in England and Wales.

Wheatsheaf Trust - Are an employment and training organisation that believe that employment and

the development of skills, provide the best route out of poverty.

Southampton Accident and Emergency Department (Hospital)

Solent NHS Trust - Provider of specialist community health services to local people of all ages.

Medaille Trust- The Medaille Trust is a charity founded by groups of Religious congregations in 2006

to work against the evils of human trafficking in response to the plight of thousands of people who are

being trafficked into the UK each year.

P3 Charity -A charity that support offenders to rehabilitate.

Patrick House - Is Southampton's assessment and largest hostel providing accommodation for the

city’s most complex clients.

Southampton City Council’s Employment Support Team.

Landguard Rd Approved Premise - Southampton residential unit which house offenders in the

community.

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Jordan House - Intensive Lifeskills and Resettlement Service. The service supports people who need

intensive levels of support and have a background of homelessness and/or offending.

National Probation Service

Southern Health NHS Trust- Provides community health, mental health, learning disability and social

care services.

No Limits - Is a charity which offers free and confidential information, advice, counselling, support

and advocacy for children and young people under 26 who live in Southampton and Hampshire.

Chapter 1 - Provides accommodation and related support services to help vulnerable people enjoy a

more fulfilled life.

The Society of St James Rose Rd - Supported alcohol accomodation.

Bridge2Volunteering - a volunteer program which gives vulnerable adults volunteering opportunities

Hampshire Liaison and Diversion Team (NHS)- A specialised mental health team helping those

involved within the criminal justice system.

Stonham/Home group - Stonham, part of Home Group, is one of the UK's largest care and support

providers helping vulnerable adults.

College Keep - NHS Mental health Team.

GP surgeries - Various GP surgeries across Southampton.

The Booth Centre- A large hostel run by the Salvation Army.

Antelope House - An NHS secure Mental Health unit.

Winchester Churches Nightshelter - A hostel for vulnerable adults in Winchester.

Catch 22 - Deliver children’s social care, alternative education, apprenticeships and employability

programmes, justice and rehabilitation services and personal and social development programmes

Southampton City Council's floating support Service - Housing support for over 60’s.

Forest Lodge - Provides support for service users who have been using forensic (secure), inpatient

or community mental health services and who need support in focussing on recovery and wellbeing.

HMP Winchester - Winchester prison

The Rainbow Project - Support Young People giving them valuable skills which enable them to

sustain future employment.

Maximus - Employment and work program.

13. HOME & AWAY

Playing on St Mary’s pitch

In June Saints4Sport gave participants, partners and staff the unique experience to be able to play on

Southampton Football Club’s Premier League pitch. St. Mary's Stadium in Southampton has been

the home stadium of Premier League club, Southampton F.C. since 2001. The stadium has a capacity

of 32,505 and is currently the largest football stadium in the south of England outside London.

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Going to Belgium

Saints4Sport took 12 lucky participants to Antwerp in Belgium to take part in a three day street football

tournament for adults who suffer from mental health, homelessness or substance misuse issues. This

trip was free and all inclusive, allowing the participants a

three day football getaway. It is opportunities like these

that provide our participants with lifelong skills in

teamwork, responsibility, structure and being proud to

represent the Saints4Sports team abroad. “This is my

first trip overseas! We were treated like Royalty; I can’t

believe I had the chance to do this! I’m so grateful to all

the staff that arranged this for us, it’s a positive memory

that I will never forget”

Playing at Staplewood

The Staplewood Football Development &

Support Centre is Southampton Football

Clubs state of the art training facility it is equipped with multiple training pitches, indoor training dome,

sports science, scouting & recruitment, football administration and medical departments, as well as

training, changing and dining facilities

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Trip to Norwich

Saints4Sport were lucky enough to be invited to Norwich City’s Carrow Road to play against their

Community Sports Foundation, with resounding success. This opportunity was an amazing chance for

the players and Saints4Sport to be well

represented and highlight the importance of

physical activity

Mental Health Stigma event & Mental Health Awareness day

Southampton Guildhall Square was transformed into a five-a-side arena for the Saints vs Stigma

Football Festival, in which Saints4Sport represented Southampton.

The event was held to raise awareness of mental health and to encourage people to join the city-wide

movement against stigma.

One in four people will experience a

mental health problem this year, yet

many suffer in silence. This can result in

an individual not seeking help before

reaching their crisis point.

That’s why the city is using football to

raise the topic locally and encourage

people to speak up about mental health

issues and speak out against stigma.

Teams representing the city’s young

people, vulnerable adults and senior

residents will compete alongside special

guest teams from Arsenal, Brighton, Norwich and Belgian club Gent, as well as a Southampton

Labour Party vs Conservative Party match.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgvPUTiIcPg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgvPUTiIcPg

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The National Third Sector Award

The 3rd Sector Care Awards showcase the innovation and care excellence of the not-for-profit care

and support sector across the country. Saints4Sport were shortlisted into the top 3 and were fortunate

enough to meet the host Dame Esther Rantzen and came second overall.

14. DATA & KPI’S

Saints4Sport have 5 KPIs for the 5 year period in which the national lottery funding is in place. These indicators are listed below.

1) The number of people that access the project and regularly take part in sport

2) The number of people reporting decreased drug and alcohol misuse or

maintaining abstinence

3) The number of people that complete at least one accredited qualification

4) The number of people reporting improved physical health

5) The number of people reporting that their confidence, mental, emotional and

overall health has improved

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The table below shows the yearly figures for each KPI.

KPI Oct 2016- Oct 2017 (Year 4)

Cumulative total (Year 1-4)

Total needed by end year 5

Number accessing project 302 1666 900

Number reporting decreased substance use/abstinence

145 905 750

Number completing at least one Accreditation Qualification

124 685 500

Number reporting improved physical health

271 937 750

Number reporting that confidence,

mental, emotional and overall health

has improved

134 889 800

The KPI’s have a 5 year target which is shown in the table above. For all indicators Saints4Sport have

already exceeded these figures.

It is also useful to look at some of these numbers in more detail

Substance use data

Amongst those monitored 47% did not consider themselves to have a substance use issue therefore

of those that did use substances, 95% were maintaining abstinence or had reduced their use during

the monitoring period.

Number reporting that confidence, mental, emotional and overall health has improved

This figure relates to those who showed an increase in all 3 indicators but the percentages of those

who showed an increase in each of the 3 factors measured is shown below.

Improvement in % of Saints4Sports clients

Mental well being 97%

Quality of life 98%

Confidence 97%

The graphs on the following pages give a visual representation of how we are achieving our

outcomes. This report covers Year 4.

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15. FINANCIAL UPDATE

Along with being funded by the Big Lottery, Saints4Sport also work in partnership and are helped

financially by The Saints Foundation, contributing towards the project’s success and continued work

to improve the lives of our service users.

Funding for Year 4 15/10/16-15/10/17

The Society of St James

Salaries 36,517

Travel 2,538

General (including central management) 15,905

Overheads 1,093

Total 56,053

Saints Foundation

Salaried staff 25,590

Casual staff 18,900

General 15,979

Total 60,287

Combined total 116,340

16. FUTURE PLANS

Recognising the ever increasing pressure on care services, with budgets and staff cuts, resulting in

more being expected of less people, the increase stress and sickness levels. S4S vision is to actively

encourage and engage persons from SSJ and other care professions to attend our activities and

sessions. This could be either with a client or on their own.

The benefits for the staff will be access to free daily sport activities, improve physical and mental well-

being, reduced sickness days, build better client professional relationship, potential to develop new

interests and social networks, plus the staff will become strong advocates of S4S by encouraging their

clients to engage also.

After the recent success of our joint Refit and S4S cycling adventures we hope to do more of this kind

of thing when it is operational viable.

17. CASE STUDIES

This is a video case study from our partners The Saints Foundation of a S4S client

Kyle Mussell - https://youtu.be/wVI8VTPJ_44

https://youtu.be/wVI8VTPJ_44

https://youtu.be/wVI8VTPJ_44

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Mark - Case Study

Mark was at university studying Aerospace engineering. It was when he was on holiday when he

experienced an acute psychotic episode from stress. Mark became increasingly isolated and stayed in

room after have surgery on leg and became a recluse. He walked away from friends and he felt he

was the lowest if the low. Mark didn’t want to commit suicide but had visions of being in hell.

Recognising Mark’s decline his parents took him to his GP and he was then referred to the Early

Intervention Psychosis team and was Sectioned for 4 weeks in October 2016

Simon Masterton his therapist and Mental Health worker referred him to Saints4sport in October 2016.

Simon came with him in the beginning for support but it wasn’t long before Mark before was

comfortable coming on his own and had tried most of the Saints4Sport sessions. He now engages in

different activities daily as well as doing voluntary work at Wellingtons after school club in Portswood

helping run outdoor activities for 5-10 year olds and at St. Marys Independent School facilitating

football sessions for year 4, 5 and 6.

Mark currently aspires to get into full-time employment.

‘Brilliant – it has opened the door to an environment for people to accept you as you are and

given opportunities to express yourself through sport and social opportunities.’

The last two case studies are looking at longer term benefits as these discuss two people who

attended S4S in the early years of the project and who have been included as case studies in the

past. These are updated to see their onward progress.

Kevin – Case Study

Kevin was born and brought up in South Africa. He was one of three siblings. Unfortunately his sister

whom he never knew died when she was only two years old which was before Kevin was born.

Kevin recalls little love shown to him by his father but his mum was kind and compassionate and she

was the one he could talk to. He was brought up in a strict and disciplined household.

As Kevin grew up he had many friends but he still had low self-esteem due to his looks and started

drinking alcohol at 16 to compensate. He remembers waking up at an after term party in the park and

everybody had gone. Kevin couldn’t ever just have two drinks and then stopped.

In high school Kevin never spoke to girls as he was too shy. He thought girls would like him if he was

a rock star, being cool, drinking and using drugs.

In the army doing National Service, he drank a lot and started smoking weed and cigarettes. Once

leaving the army Kevin studied mechanical engineering but quit before completing the course. Kevin

and his friends just drank and smoked weed. Kevin was desperately wanted a relationship and find

someone special to have companionship.

Kevin sought this female company through

sex workers but soon realised that sex was

meaningless and wanted to spend more

time with them. To do this Kevin started

smoking crack with them once or twice a

month.

He moved to England for a fresh start but

within 3 months he was smoking crack

again with working girls once a month. He

was also drinking in the pub every night

hoping to meet a girlfriend. Kevin was still

shy and introverted, with no close friends,

only acquaintances.

About 10 years ago he scored crack and

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asked a girl to come back to his flat and smoke, he

wanted sex but she just wanted to smoke. A couple

of weeks after they met she said she needed a place

to stay. Kevin was lonely and said she could stay

with him. They became platonic friends and co-

dependant, so when the crack ran out one night

Kevin tried heroin and soon become physically

dependent on it.

As a heroin addict, Kevin lost his job and place to

live and ended up in the homelessness hostel

system. He also lost hope, his self-respect and

confidence. He became positive for Hepatitis B and

C, and didn’t seek treatment for about 5 years.

At the worst part of his addiction he could go over a

month without showering or changing his clothes.

He felt so low that he believed he couldn’t be a

normal member of the community. Recovery back to

normality seemed impossible, so resigned himself to

carrying on as a heroin addict and when he died

then so be it.

Kevin did start Hepatitis treatment but stopped

because his life was too chaotic to the make

appointments.

He eventually became a drugs runner for a dealer. He did this about five times but unknowingly sold

to an undercover police officer. He was tried in Crown Court and sentenced to a community

punishment a Drug Rehabilitation Requirement (DRR).

This was the shock Kevin needed to reassess and evaluate his lifestyle and so started to engage in

drug treatment, got on a methadone prescription (heroin substitute) and started S4S golf. In the first 3

months he stopped using illicit heroin daily, only 3 days week. In the 4th month he was giving 50%

illicit drug free test and by the 5th month it was 80%. Boredom was the factor of Kevin’s continued

although limited drug use. So he made the conscious decision to start daily S4S activities. That week

he added boxing, kickboxing, tai chi, swimming and football to his schedule.

By participating in Saints4Sport activities, Kevin’s physical and mental well-being improved, he gained

confidence and self-respect. He started to believe he could now have a different life. Saints4Sport

also recognised Kev’s journey and achievements and thus he was presented with Southampton FC

‘Star Award’.

With great courage Kevin

started to Volunteer for S4S

and the drug and alcohol

treatment services. It soon

became apparent by those

around him that Kevin had a

naturally aptitude for this kind

of work. He had credibility with

clients, was able to show

empathy, insight and

understanding in their support.

It was not long before Kevin

was offered a short-term

contract of paid employment

at Southampton Drug &

Alcohol Recovery Service

36


(SDARS). Kevin has excelled in this role and has since had the contract extended which is testament

to the work he is doing. He is trustworthy, reliable and competent.

Recently Kevin flew back to South Africa for two weeks to see his parents for the first time in 10 years.

Carl - Case Study

Carl had been a chronic heroin drug user for over 17 years. He had been to prison for selling drugs,

shoplifting and other ‘general’ crimes as he puts it. Devastatingly his partner died of a heroin

overdose in their home; shortly after this his children were painfully removed from his care.

This was the catalyst for Carl, he wanted to stop

taking drugs and doing crime, he really wanted to

move away from the drug lifestyle he had

become used to but didn’t know how.

Carl with former Southampton FC chairman at

The house of Lords

Carl: “when you stop taking drugs you can’t hang around with your mates anymore because they are

still using drugs, and the mates who don’t do drugs, well they don’t trust you and they certainly won’t

just trust you overnight”.

Carl started to attend the Saints4Sport programme, which he states was a cornerstone of his recovery

“without Saints4Sport, I wouldn’t have been able to stay clean, wouldn’t have had nothing in my life. It

would have been easier to go back to drugs. Once you stop taking drugs people think that’s it but

that’s just the start of another process, where you need to fill your day up, structure your time, you

need things to do but it’s hard without help, the fishing was the one thing in my life I looked forward

to”. Attending Saints4Sport gave Carl the structure he needed, along with necessary boundaries and

the opportunity to meet new friends and build confidence.

After being drug free for a year, Carl became a volunteer for The Society of St James (SSJ),

supporting other service users through experiences similar to his own. Carl then moved on to be a

paid duty worker for SSJ where he was the first face a service user would see on their arrival at drug

& alcohol treatment services. Carl progressed into a full time job as an assistant drugs worker, today

after another promotion he is now a full time Recovery worker and is the lead worker for

Saints4Sport’s fishing sessions. Carl is a very well respected and he is often the first person that

professionals such as doctors and nurses talk to about drug use. Carl is a visible role model and

Saints4Sport are proud to have supported him and to be part of his journey.

Carl Is now back in contact with his children and sees them regularly, they are very proud of how their

dad has turned his life around and now is an inspiration to others.

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18. FINAL THOUGHT

Saints4Sport has changed drug treatment in Southampton for the better. We now have

something positive to offer our service users, something that they really want to do.

Historically when we assessed someone, all we could offer was key working and group work.

This scared our clients; they knew we were trying to take their buzz away from them. Now we

can offer them a healthy “buzz” as a replacement. The sport is a carrot, an engagement tool.

Once we have their trust we can start to address their drug issues and, for some, their criminal

activity, we can then offer an array of accreditations, volunteering and employment pathways.

Sport offers a level playing field, somewhere where our service users feel relaxed and often

have superior knowledge to their keyworkers. It’s a rebalance of power. Saints4Sport, through

their employment pathways now offers our clients an exit route out of drug treatment. Many

ex-service users are now in full and part time employment through various employment

streams. -

Dean Latona - Psychosocial treatment manager

Southampton Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service, Society of St James

Documents

Annual Report 2016-2017 - Society of St James · SAINTS4SPORT Annual Report 2016-2017 4. THE PARTNERSHIP The Society of St James (SSJ) has worked in partnership with The Saints Foundation