Positive Futures

Positive Futures is a national project which has been rolled out locally across the country, with North East Lincolnshire being one of the 24 Pilot projects of which there are now 67 nationally and 30 more planned.  Positive Futures Is Based within the Sports Development Unit of Community Regeneration at North East Lincolnshire Council.  The project focuses on work with targeted young people aged 10 - 16 through sports and physical activity.

Positive Futures is a partnership between The Home Office, Youth Justice Board, Sport England and the Football Foundation who created the backbone for the project, which recognises that sport can be used as a tool to reduce or prevent young people's involvement in anti social behaviour, crime and drug misuse.  As well as creating healthier lifestyles for the future through encouraging and supporting regular participation in sports and physical activity.

The majority of funding for the project is accessed through The Home Office in which the national support team is based within the Drug Strategy Directorate.  However further funding is being sought to support and deliver opportunities both now and well into the future.

During their time engaged with the project young people will attend activities on a weekly basis for 12 weeks.  Also included in the 12 weeks are two adventure days based around team, trust and confidence building as well as physical and mental challenges.  Activities are linked to learning for the young people around crime and drug awareness and healthy lifestyles.  This is achieved through use of specialist agencies and groups to delivering the information in an informal way for example through drama or music.

Some of the success to date have been, a group of young men who wanted opportunities in playing football are now all playing for local league teams on a regular basis.  One young man stated that since participating on the project he has cut down on the amount he smokes by three quarters and intends to stop completely.  A fitness for boxing class has been set up for under 16 year old girls as there was no provision.  This will be subsidised until mid August and it is hoped that the boxing club will take it on themselves if enough support is shown.

As a national partner on the project Lord Pendry, Chairman of the Football Foundation said: "Positive Futures is making a real difference to young people in our communities.  The scheme highlights the way in which sport can act as a vehicle for a healthier lifestyle." 

This feeling also feeds through at a local level. Dave Ranshaw,  Head of Community Regeneration said: "It is vitally important that we take every opportunity to use sport activities to engage with our young people. The health benefits, working together as a team and meeting other people with similar interests helps our young people gain a sense of community and feeling of belonging."

More information on evaluation of the project can be found on the Positive Futures website: www.positivefutures.gov.uk from a national perspective.  Copies of the two year report for Positive Futures North East Lincolnshire are available in hard copy on request and will shortly be available on the authorities website.  Alternatively if you would like to discuss the project further please contact Pippa Gilbank, Positive Futures Project Officer on 01472 323391 or email

1 July 2003

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