Twinning Project Uses Football to Score Wellbeing Goals

The Growth Company (GC) has teamed up with HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), Sheffield United Community Foundation, and Sheffield Wednesday FC Community Programme to deliver a new justice initiative – and it is already producing results.

The Twinning Project matches prisons in England and Wales with nearby professional football clubs. Its goal is to reduce reoffending by improving the mental and physical health of people in prison through a football-based skills course.

The course includes an opportunity to gain an F.A. accredited leadership qualification.

(T)winning in Sheffield

Sheffield United Community Foundation is twinned with HMP Lindholme and Sheffield Wednesday FC Community Programme is paired with HMP Hatfield. Both are involved in a new pilot to deliver the project to people on probation.

They deliver the coaching and academic side of the course, while GC’s Personal Wellbeing Service provides welfare sessions that cover a range of topics, from stress management to critical thinking.

The second cohort – comprised of men on probation – has just completed the eight-week schedule. As a reward for their efforts, the participants were given free tickets to watch Sheffield Wednesday and a tour of Sheffield United’s stadium, respectively. They also played against a local mental health team during the last week.

Kick-Start to Recovery

Reflecting on their experience, one participant commented: “I’ve really enjoyed taking part in the Twinning Project and the wellbeing sessions delivered by the Growth Company were excellent.

“It has helped improve my mental and physical health massively and was probably just what I needed to give myself the platform and motivation to move forward and take some positive steps and actions with my life.

“Not only did I meet new people and friends during the course, but it gave me the kick-start to a recovery plan. In fact, I managed to lose a stone in weight and stopped drinking alcohol.

“I would recommend this course to anyone who has had struggles with their mental or physical health at any point in their lives.”

Growth Company lead key worker Trudi Race was just as pleased with the cohort’s progress: “It’s great to see two rival clubs coming together to support such a project.

“I don’t just mean over the eight weeks of the course, either. They are continuing to connect people on probation to other community activities once the Twinning Project has finished.

“For me, that’s what it’s all about – social inclusion and the feeling of being a part of the community.”

Find Out More

To learn more about the Twinning Project, visit the programme’s website.

The Growth Company

The Growth Company is an award-winning social enterprise with a 30-year history of enabling growth, creating jobs, and improving lives.

We help people and businesses across the UK to develop, grow, and succeed through a range of employment, skills, and business support services. We provide employment, justice, and health services across Greater Manchester, the Liverpool City Region, Lancashire, Cheshire, and Yorkshire and Humber.

Get in touch today to find out more.