Herefordshire project is nominated for BBC Sport Award

A Herefordshire project, which uses sporting and recreational activities to help drug users, is one of six projects nominated in the West Midlands for a new BBC Midlands Power of Sports Award.

The Herefordshire Sports Referral project works with people of all ages from across the county who are referred from agencies working with people who have used, or are at risk of using drugs and/or alcohol.

Since the project began four years ago, around 200 young people have gone through the system, which for many has proved to be a lifeline and helped them get their lives back on track. It is jointly managed by Herefordshire Council and Herefordshire Community Safety and Drugs partnership.

The overall aim of the project is to encourage local referral agencies and voluntary organisations to work together to provide sporting and recreational activities to help stabilise drug users during and after treatment. The impact on clients' health and wellbeing is achieved through improving life skills.

The activities provided vary according to what the young people say they would like to try, but have ranged from boxing to martial arts - one young man who couldn't initially leave his house is now competing in boxing competitions. There are a number of people who have accessed football, particularly three women with one of them subsequently joining a local team. The biggest take up of activities is through Halo Leisure's facilities.

Mark Cathcart, sports referral co-ordinator with the Herefordshire Community Safety and Drugs Partnership will attend the BBC Midlands Sports personality Awards in Birmingham on December 2nd.

Councillor Adrian Blackshaw, cabinet member for economic development and community services, said: "This project has brought real benefits to many people by helping them overcome barriers which prevent access to sport and active recreation. As the project has flourished, the number of referrals has grown, and we are hoping to be able to draw down funding for the project so that it can be funded on a long-term rather than short-term basis."

"This is an excellent example of how working together with our partners can bring about meaningful results for some of the county's vulnerable young people. I am delighted the project has been nominated for a BBC Midlands Sports award and wish Mark good luck at the big event in December."

Steve Brewster, director of the Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire said: "Through this new award, sponsored by Sport England in the West Midlands, recognition is being given to the community benefits achieved by the six nominated sports projects, one for each of the county Sports Partnership areas.

"We are very proud and fortunate to have the opportunity to nominate such a beneficial local project and achieve recognition through this award. The Sports Referral project is a great example of the difference that sport and active recreation can make to community life and people's aspirations. Congratulations and good luck to all involved for the 2 December, when the winner of the BBC West Midlands 'Power of Sport' trophy will be announced,