A partnership between local charities Foundation 92 and Emmaus Salford is using football to unlock a better future for Salford residents, vulnerable families and formerly homeless people.
This summer, the partnership has provided weekly 92 Shield football sessions to formerly homeless people to improve their physical health and mental wellbeing. Foundation 92 has also supported Emmaus Salford’s Lucie’s Pantry by delivering 500 free food parcels to local households and run a Family Resource project to help promote healthy eating.
Dylan is a companion at Emmaus Salford who has taken part in the 92 Shield programme delivered by Foundation 92. He has since secured full-time employment and is now looking to move in to his own flat.
Dylan said: “A few of the lads from Emmaus who were into football joined the sessions with Foundation 92. We trained, played 5-a-side football matches together and it was good fun. The football sessions were also good for my confidence as it got me talking a bit more.”
Foundation 92 is an independent charity that was set up by the Class of 92, owners of Salford City Football Club, to use football as a tool to affect change in Salford and beyond. The 92 Shield is one of a number of programmes to support homeless and vulnerable adults from across the city region with the long-term aim of getting people into employment and housing.
🗣️| "It's been a great start in challenging times; it gives us time to think about and really hone in on what we need to concentrate on." 🙌
Listen to the full interview with our trustee Ryan Giggs, as he discusses F92's progress and his vision for the future 🤝⚽️ pic.twitter.com/I0wzYQ5x9R
— Foundation 92 (@Foundation92) September 1, 2020
Football as a force for good
Tom Hutton, Head of Foundation 92, said: “Foundation 92 is committed to providing enriching and inclusive engagement opportunities, which helps the whole community to thrive and achieve their potential. Through collaboration with Emmaus, Foundation 92 is proud to be able to deliver a free weekly football session which not only provides service users with the opportunity to have fun, get fit and healthy and learn new skills, but also provides people with a sense of belonging and achievement, which helps them improve their confidence and self-worth.”
Emmaus Salford supports 22 formerly homeless people by providing a stable home, meaningful work and individual support for as long as they need it. Emmaus operates three charity stores in the city as well as Lucie’s Pantry social supermarket and a new School Uniform Hub.
Rachel Richardson, Community Director at Emmaus Salford, said: “Much of our work is focussed on giving opportunities to formerly homeless people whilst offering essential products and services to housed individuals and families in need. This summer, with the fantastic support of Foundation 92, we have been able to further enrich the lives of our residents and expand the support offered by Lucie’s Pantry.”
Learn more about the Emmaus Salford charity and social enterprise. If you would like to get involved or donate an item, please call 0161 737 8279 or visit our Salford charity shops.
Follow Foundation 92 on Twitter for their latest updates and opportunities.