We are keen to share with you how US has responded swiftly to the lockdown and temporary suspension of face to face sport and fitness activities for our young people. We recognise both the impact the pandemic will have on the wellbeing of those who were previously experiencing mental health difficulties, but also on a wider population who have found themselves in unfamiliar and uncertain times, without their usual support networks.

US Live online sessions

During lockdown US trainers and teachers have delivered activities for groups and individuals online via Zoom. Young people and their families have appreciated this innovation that has facilitated activity continuity. Feedback has been positive.

On-demand video resource

In addition to our live online delivery we are building an online activity bank. We have commissioned our trainers and coaches to record a range of sessions, in their own fitness specialism, which are now available on our website and You Tube page. We will increase the range and number of sessions there are to choose from. These sessions will be ‘on-demand’ so will be accessible at any time that suits the young person.

The Way Forward

We have learned to appreciate the contribution technology can make to US delivery and as lockdown ends we will have a blended offer. Young people will be able to access some or all the following:

  • Face to face activity (individual or small group)
  • Live online activity (individual or small group)
  • Access to on-demand videos to support practice

How you can make new referrals to US

We are anticipating an increase in demand for our services and are ready to respond. If you know a young person experiencing, or at risk of, mental health difficulties who would benefit from taking part in a sport or exercise activityto help them improve their wellbeing, then get in touch!

New referrals for support for an individual or group of young people can be made via [email protected] and Fi Lomax our Activities and Keyworker Co-ordinator will get back to you. Referral forms are available, or you’re welcome to just get in touch if you’d like to discuss activity options available for a young person.

At this point it is likely that we will focus on live online activities with a trainer, but as restrictions continue to be lifted, we can look at suitable progression into face to face delivery, should this be what the young person wants.

Can you help us to meet the new challenges?

To date, we have had financial support from North East Active Partnership to help us respond to the changed environment of the pandemic, and we continue our bidding to other funds, foundations and trusts.

Unfortunately, our fundraising plans for 2020 have been significantly impacted by COVID, with the cancellation of our May ball, other planned events, and most recently the cancellation of the 2020 Great North Run. Fundraising is a substantive part of our income and so we have moved this online too….the success of an online yoga class has led to a series of monthly online cookery classes being organised, to be delivered by local chefs and supporters. We will also be arranging other activities later in the year, restrictions allowing.

You can stay up to date on our events through our Facebook page or via the website.
We believe we will remain sustainable through and beyond the current situation, but need to replace lost funding to be able to provide a sustained, future offer which can respond to increased numbers of young people referred to our charity who have been affected by the pandemic.

If you are able to support our fundraising activities or can offer financial or other resource to US then please get in touch or visit our website to sees ways to ‘support US’.

Take care and many thanks from the US team!