For the National Emergencies Trust

[p]The National Emergencies Trust (NET) has launched a fundraising appeal to help those affected by the recent coronavirus outbreak.[/p][p]Football Beyond Borders (FBB) is joining with them to call on the world of football to support young people and families who are struggling during this period.[/p][p]A growing challenge that has emerged in the last couple of weeks is that many young people are struggling to stay connected and in touch with the outside world. There are issues with accessing the internet and using electronics due to financial constraints. [/p][p]FBB is an [b]education charity[/b] that supports disadvantaged young people who are passionate about football but disengaged at school to achieve their potential by helping them finish school with the skills and grades to make a successful transition into adulthood. We do this by providing long-term, intensive support, built around relationships and young people’s passions, in the classroom and beyond. We are commissioned by schools to support students who are at risk of exclusion to re-engage with learning and develop positive relationships with peers and adults. We are currently working with over 1000 young people across 64 projects in London, Essex and the Northwest of England. [/p][p]For this campaign we are delighted that some of our friends in the world of football such as Ian Wright, Chris Smalling, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden and Leighanne Robe have helped us to produce a video for our Stay at Home, ‘Keepy-Ups’ challenge. [/p][p]During the last 2 weeks of school closure, we have monitored the well-being of our 1,000 young people whose message has been clear: they want connection, routine and stimulation to occupy them. Without this, many of these young people will regress in terms of their mental health, attitude to learning and ultimately attainment.[/p][p]This is supported by Peter Wanless, chief executive of the NSPCC children’s charity, who said said: “The 24/7 news cycle about coronavirus is causing huge worry and anxiety in young people – particularly those who are already coping with many other issues in their lives.[/p][p][u]To prevent this regression, we want to provide:[/u][/p][p]· Daily social media postings and challenges, such as our football challenge. Please watch our video, can you do better?[/p][p]· Weekly ‘virtual’ classroom sessions requiring engagement in challenging project-based topics addressing hard-hitting topics such as teenage mental health, social isolation and identity.[/p][p]· Weekly 1 to 1 therapy sessions for our most vulnerable young people via Google hangouts.[/p][p]We are crowdfunding to ensure we can:[/p][p]· Maintain educational activity and stimulus within the home environment.[/p][p]· Maintain internet access and provide electronic communication.[/p][p][u]The funds provided will go towards the wider National Emergency Trust campaign to support young people who are the most affected. [/u][/p][p]In the coming months we will be working with our young people and their families to ensure they have the necessary WiFi access, data storage, electronic equipment and access to online learning to ensure they remain stimulated and connected during this period.[/p][p]Please support us to make this possible![/p][p][br][/p]