With the coronavirus crisis showing few signs of abating, AKUTRs columnist Simon Dorset turned his attentions to the work of the QPR in the Community Trust down the years and how it can continue in the current crisis.

In the face of the Covid-19 pandemic and guided by the government’s escalating measures to limit social interactions, the QPR in the Community Trust has had to drastically scale back its operations. Having already taken the decision to suspend the delivery of Trust activities that were not taking place within schools, the subsequent closure to all but the children of key workers and vulnerable children left little to no scope other than to support the remaining staff at these schools.

I doubt that everyone reading this will be aware of the scale and breadth of the Trust’s interaction with the local community and therefore the impact this forced reduction of services will have; I certainly wasn’t until a year or so ago when I received an invitation to the Trust’s 10th anniversary reception at the House of Commons which prompted me into doing a little back ground research.

Andy Evans, who is the Trust’s CEO, launched QPR’s Football in the Community scheme back in 1994 with four staff and a few apprentices whose primary focus was providing football sessions for local primary school children. Now, with 37 full-time and 68 part-time staff, the Trust runs in the region of 300 sessions per week for all age groups throughout seven London boroughs focusing on its core aims of health, education, social inclusion and sports participation.

As Evans has always been keen to stress, the trust is not solely about coaching football, but openly utilises the power of football to reach people. The Trust’s work in developing young people's potential, breaking down social barriers and improving people's everyday lives has received various awards including being inducted into the Show Racism the Red Card’s Hall of Fame, winning the 2010 Football League Award for the Best Disability Community Project for the Tiger Cubs and being named the EFL Community Club of the Year for London in 2019.

In addition to these awards, Evans has also been personally recognised for his outstanding contribution and services to football as part of the FA’s 150th anniversary celebrations in 2013. Along with 149 other “grassroot heroes”, he was invited to Buckingham Palace where he received a commemorative medal from The Duke of Cambridge.

Last year the Trust engaged with over 24,000 participants, the youngest being only two-years-old, the oldest over 90 highlighting the vast array of projects in operation. Without attempting anything approaching an exhaustive list, I’ll try to give a flavour here of the Trust’s work which can be categorised under six headings: Health, Education, Employability, Youth and Communities, Inclusive Projects and Participation although many of the schemes cross the notional boundaries between them.

Health

Extra Time: Provides weekly social and physical sessions, such as aerobics, tai chi and archery along with health, financial and general well-being talks, for local residents aged 60 and over. Its reach has been extended into Brent where the Trust started to run sessions at the Hub Club in Stonebridge thanks to a new grant from Hyde Housing.
Health Stars: After school activities and parent’s sessions promoting healthy eating, not smoking and physical exercise delivered at primary schools in Hillingdon and funded by Hillingdon Community Trust.

Education

Premier League Primary Stars: Mentors children and staff at local primary schools in academic and physical education, with additional focus on Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) and life skills. The resources available for this project have recently been bolstered with home education options.
The QPR Study Centre: To date, more than 5,000 local young people and adults have benefited from educational sessions in a purpose built classroom in the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.

Employability

Premier League Works: The Trust engages on a one-to-one basis with young people who are not currently involved in education, training or employment with a view to help them develop the skills and confidence to either resume education, enrol on a beneficial training scheme or start working.
Ex Forces Programme: A project comprising life skills workshops, qualifications and sports sessions designed to help men and women leaving military services into either work or further education.

Youth and Communities

Kicks: A national scheme funded by the Premier League which the Trust have been involved with since registering as a charity in 2009. Kicks focuses on providing young people between the ages of 8 and 25 with positive and constructive activities to help them to realise their potential and steer them away from crime and anti-social behaviour.
Prison Work: Twinning Project: Easing the return of released prisoners back into the community.

Inclusive Projects

Tiger Cubs: I’m sure we are all familiar with the Tiger Clubs, the Trust’s football team for children and young people with Down’s Syndrome which is, in part, funded by the annual Tiger Feet walk.
QPR Works: Offers organised sport, qualifications and life skills to participants with special educational needs and Pan-disabilities.

Participation

Multi Sports: Encourages children from all backgrounds to participate in a range of club-based sports such as tennis, hockey and athletics.
Mini SuperstaRs: Teaches 3 and 4 year-old children basic football techniques and skills such as agility, balance, co-ordination and teamwork.

All of these projects are continually augmented by player involvement. At the House of Commons reception Steve McClaren, QPR’s manager at that time, was a great pains to stress that, whereas at some previous clubs where he’d been manager he’d had to cajole players to get involved with their community schemes, at QPR he had to ration the players’ involvement such was their appetite to be involved and had to regularly disappoint the players by restricting their participation. He put this down to both the outstandingly professional way in which the sessions were run and how enjoyable they were to take part in.

And then, of course, there is Grenfell. Winning the London Football Awards Community Project of the Year was the furthest thing from anyone’s mind when the Trust unhesitatingly threw open the gates of Loftus Road to help the survivors of the Grenfell tragedy, but it was deserved recognition for their magnificent response. As he grew up in the shadow of the tower, this was especially personal for Ferdinand who, at that House of Commons reception, spoke proudly describing how the whole club had rallied to help. The centre piece of this initiative was the celebrity match at Loftus Road in September 2017 which raised over £450,000 - a figure subsequently matched by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea — but the Trust have not lost focus on the greatest single loss of life from a fire in Great Britain since the 2nd World War and are still heavily involved with the survivors, particularly at a primary school where 80% of the children are still suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Under Andy Evans’ guidance, the Trust has blossomed into a vital social provider. One which is trusted with the hard earned funds of various notable charities, organisations and associations, such as the Worshipful Company of Ironmongers, the Prince’s Trust, the Royal British Legion and The Mayor’s Office because they excel at their objectives of combating exclusion, isolation for the older generation and childhood obesity, diverting teenagers from crime and anti-social behaviour and improving people’s health, well-being and quality of everyday life.

Even in these unprecedented times the Trust is still reaching out to the local community. As an example, they are making weekly phone calls to every member of the Extra Time club, which is especially valuable to those who are self-isolating because they are in the high risk category. While I’m sure that Andy Evans and his team will find other ways of engaging with the community, hopefully it won’t be too long before they can restore a full agenda of activities enabling a senior citizen contact with like-minded people, a young lad with Down’s Syndrome to be able to enjoy the same team spirit as his able bodied peers or a vulnerable young person to be able to approach the world with more confidence.

Simon’s previous >>> Accounting for success >>> Gambling with FFP >>> Tough battle in ongoing FFP war >>> EPPP, the greater evil >>> Terry Venables, my first hero >>> Farewell to the King >>> Gordon Jago: A soccer pioneer >>> QPR’s fairytale of New York

Pictures — Action Images

Action Images

plasmahoop added 14:28 - Apr 7 Great to hear.
1

extratimeR added 16:44 - Apr 7 Makes you very proud of the club, its excellent stuff. Well done!
1

timcocking added 03:04 - Apr 8 Fantastic.
0

JustJules added 10:44 - Apr 8 Excellent. Very warming to read that. Keep it going!
0

DevonWhite added 21:33 - Apr 8 That was a great read Simon, thanks a lot.
0

lionking1 added 16:05 - Aug 27 School always seemed to be something special, it was a gorgeous carefree time. Now in college I understand this more than ever, because I spent almost all my free time on study until I found the site https://samplius.com/free-essay-examples/civil-war/ which helped me incredibly with the material, there a lot of different quality examples. And only thanks to this resource, I have at least a little free time.

0

PitELison added 22:08 - Sep 25 Very interesting article!
0

zurtuvorku added 19:29 - Aug 29 Fellow students, do you happen to know what true salvation is for a student? I think I may have found the answer: https://essaypro.com/buy-dissertation . The first time I thought it was some kind of scam, but in the end I decided to take a chance buy a dissertation online. The guys were on top of their game! The essays turned out to be so competent and interesting that it's hard to believe it yourself. So, if you have an essay on the horizon, do not agonize - I checked on myself, it works 100%!

0

LaraPeter added 07:07 - Aug 30 Hi there! I'd like to extend my gratitude for the insightful article. As a student seeking ways to simplify essay writing, I've observed that many classmates utilize the https://www.nursingpaper.com/examples/health-and-social-care/ . Encouraged by their experiences, I gave it a shot. The speed and efficiency with which they completed my papers left me pleasantly surprised. This will undoubtedly save me valuable time, allowing for better focus on challenging subjects.

0

JaneJLocane added 17:14 - Nov 29 Thanks a lot!
0

sarahthomas0988 added 09:36 - Sep 8 Expert Tutors NURS FPX 4900 Assessment: Your Path to Nursing Leadership Unlock your leadership potential in nursing with our targeted NURS FPX 4900 assessment tutoring. From Assessment 1 to 5, our expert guidance is designed to ensure your success and propel your career forward. Introduction to NURS FPX 4900 Series Assessment The NURS FPX 4900 series is the cornerstone of your development as a nursing leader, focusing on the synthesis of your learning to tackle complex healthcare issues. This comprehensive assessment series, from NURS FPX 4900 Assessment 1 to NURS FPX 4900 Assessment 5, is designed to evaluate your readiness to lead in the dynamic field of nursing. Specialized Tutoring for Nursing Leaders Our tutoring services are specifically crafted to support your journey through the NURS FPX 4900 series. Whether it's the critical analysis required in NURS FPX 4900 Assessment 2 or the strategic planning involved in NURS FPX 4900 Assessment 3, our personalized tutoring plans are tailored to meet the demands of each assessment. Customized Learning for Future Leaders We recognize the importance of individualized learning pathways in developing leadership skills. Our approach includes personalized tutoring that focuses on your unique strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring that you are well-prepared for NURS FPX 4900 Assessment 4 and the culminating NURS FPX 4900 Assessment 5. Expert Guidance from Seasoned Nursing Leaders Our team of tutors includes experienced nursing leaders who bring a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience to their teaching. With their guidance, you'll gain insights into effective leadership and management strategies, enhancing your performance in NURS FPX 4900 Assessment 1 and beyond. Accelerate Your Path to Nursing Leadership Our goal is to facilitate your successful completion of the NURS FPX 4900 series, enabling you to advance in your career as a nursing leader. With focused support for NURS FPX 4900 Assessment 2 and NURS FPX 4900 Assessment 3, among others, we aim to streamline your academic journey without compromising the depth of learning. Comprehensive Support for Aspiring Leaders Beyond tutoring, we offer a range of services including "Write my assessment" and "Online assessment help," designed to prepare you comprehensively for NURS FPX 4900 Assessment 4 and NURS FPX 4900 Assessment 5. Our support extends to all facets of the assessment series, ensuring you are ready to lead and innovate in the nursing profession. Begin Your Leadership Journey with Confidence Choosing our tutoring services for the NURS FPX 4900 series is a decisive step towards achieving your goals as a nursing leader. With personalized support, expert guidance, and a focus on leadership development, you are poised to excel in your assessments and make a significant impact in healthcare. Elevate your nursing career with our expert NURS FPX 4900 assessment tutoring. Contact us today to learn how we can help you become a transformative leader in the nursing field.

0

sarahthomas0988 added 09:37 - Sep 8 Conquer NURS FPX 4060 Assessment with Comprehensive Online Tutoring Introduction to NURS FPX 4060 Series Assessment The NURS FPX 4060 series is a pivotal component of your nursing education, focusing on the integration of public health concepts into nursing practice. Covering NURS FPX 4060 Assessment 1 through NURS FPX 4060 Assessment 4, this series empowers you to address public health challenges effectively and contribute to the wellbeing of communities. Tailored Tutoring for Exceptional Results Our tutoring service is specifically designed to navigate the complexities of the NURS FPX 4060 assessments. Whether you're grappling with the nuances of NURS FPX 4060 Assessment 2 or the comprehensive requirements of NURS FPX 4060 Assessment 3, our personalized tutoring plans are crafted to fit your learning style and academic goals. Personalized Learning Journeys Recognizing that each student has unique learning needs, our approach is to offer personalized tutoring that directly addresses your areas of focus. This includes targeted preparation for NURS FPX 4060 Assessment 4, ensuring that you're well-equipped to tackle each aspect of the assessment with confidence. Expertise in Public Health Nursing Our tutors are seasoned professionals with extensive experience in public health nursing. They bring a wealth of practical knowledge and theoretical understanding to help you excel in NURS FPX 4060 Assessment 1 and beyond, providing insights into effective public health strategies and interventions. Accelerate Your Learning and Career We aim to streamline your path through the NURS FPX 4060 series, enabling you to complete your assessments efficiently and with a deep understanding of public health nursing. With focused support for NURS FPX 4060 Assessment 2 and NURS FPX 4060 Assessment 3, we help you fast-track your academic and professional development. Comprehensive Support for Academic Excellence Our services extend beyond tutoring to include "Write my assessment" and "Online assessment help," ensuring that you have access to comprehensive resources for NURS FPX 4060 Assessment 4 and all other assessments in the series. Our aim is to support your journey towards becoming a public health nursing leader. Your Gateway to Advanced Public Health Nursing Opting for our NURS FPX 4060 tutoring services marks the beginning of your successful journey in public health nursing. With our tailored tutoring, expert guidance, and extensive resources, you're set to achieve excellence in your assessments and make a significant impact in the field of public health nursing. Advance your nursing career with our specialized NURS FPX 4060 assessment tutoring. Contact us today to see how we can help you excel in public health nursing and beyond.

0

sarahthomas0988 added 09:37 - Sep 8 Excel in NURS FPX 4050 Assessment: Expert Online Tutoring Services Maximize your success in NURS FPX 4050 assessment with our specialized tutoring services. Tailored support from Assessment 1 to 4 empowers you to excel in your nursing program and advance your career. Introduction to NURS FPX 4050 Series Assessment The NURS FPX 4050 series is designed to challenge and enhance your understanding of advanced nursing practices and their impact on patient outcomes. Spanning from NURS FPX 4050 Assessment 1 to NURS FPX 4050 Assessment 4, this series tests your ability to apply critical thinking and evidence-based practices in real-world healthcare settings. Targeted Tutoring for Unmatched Achievement Our tutoring services offer targeted support for the NURS FPX 4050 series, ensuring that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to excel. Whether you are preparing for NURS FPX 4050 Assessment 2 or need in-depth guidance for NURS FPX 4050 Assessment 3, our tailored approach is designed to meet your individual needs. Personalized Learning Experiences We understand that each student's learning journey is unique. That's why we provide personalized tutoring plans that focus on your specific areas of improvement, ensuring that you're well-prepared for NURS FPX 4050 Assessment 4 and all other assessments in the series. Access to Nursing Practice Expert Our team of tutors includes experienced nursing professionals who specialize in advanced nursing practices. Their expertise ensures that you receive the highest quality guidance for NURS FPX 4050 Assessment 1 and beyond, equipping you with the competencies needed for success in your nursing career. Fast-Track Your Success in One Billing Cycle Our goal is to help you complete your nursing program efficiently and with excellence. With focused tutoring for NURS FPX 4050 Assessment 2 and NURS FPX 4050 Assessment 3, we aim to accelerate your learning process, enabling you to achieve your academic and professional goals more quickly. Comprehensive Academic Support From "Write my assessment" services to "Online assessment help," we offer a comprehensive range of resources designed to support your success in the NURS FPX 4050 series. Our goal is to ensure you are thoroughly prepared for NURS FPX 4050 Assessment 4 and ready to make a positive impact in the nursing field. Your Pathway to Advanced Nursing Excellence Choosing our tutoring services for the NURS FPX 4050 series is a critical step towards achieving excellence in advanced nursing practices. With personalized support, expert guidance, and comprehensive resources, you're on the path to excelling in your assessments and advancing your nursing career. Take your nursing career to the next level with our expert NURS FPX 4050 assessment tutoring. Contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve your goals and become a leader in the nursing profession.

0

sarahthomas0988 added 09:37 - Sep 8 Achieve Excellence in NURS FPX 4040 Assessments with Expert Guidance Unlock your full potential in the NURS FPX 4040 series with our personalized tutoring services. From Assessment 1 to 4, we ensure a tailored learning experience that sets you up for success in your academic journey. Introduction to NURS FPX 4040 Series Assessments Embarking on the NURS FPX 4040 series is a significant step towards deepening your understanding of informatics and its application in various settings. This series, starting from NURS FPX 4040 Assessment 1 through NURS FPX 4040 Assessment 4, is designed to challenge your analytical skills and enhance your ability to integrate technology effectively. Personalized Tutoring for Unparalleled Success Our tutoring service is dedicated to guiding you through the complexities of the NURS FPX 4040 assessments. Whether it's navigating the intricacies of NURS FPX 4040 Assessment 2 or mastering the challenges of NURS FPX 4040 Assessment 3, our personalized approach ensures that you receive the support and insights needed to excel. Customized Learning Paths for Every Student Understanding that each student's learning journey is unique, we offer customized tutoring plans tailored to your specific needs and goals. Our focus extends to ensuring you are fully prepared to tackle NURS FPX 4040 Assessment 4 with confidence, along with every other assessment in the series. Expert Guidance from Informatics Specialists Our team of tutors includes specialists in informatics who bring a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience to their teaching. They are equipped to provide you with the tools and strategies necessary to excel in NURS FPX 4040 Assessment 1 and beyond, ensuring you have a strong foundation in informatics. Accelerate Your Academic Journey in One Billing Cycle Our objective is to enable you to complete the NURS FPX 4040 series efficiently, allowing you to progress in your academic career swiftly. With targeted support for NURS FPX 4040 Assessment 2 and NURS FPX 4040 Assessment 3, among others, we focus on accelerating your learning process without sacrificing depth or quality. Comprehensive Support for Your Academic Journey We offer a full suite of services to support your academic endeavors, from "Write my assessment" to "Online assessment help." Our resources are meticulously designed to prepare you for NURS FPX 4040 Assessment 4 and equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in informatics. Your Gateway to Informatics Excellence Opting for our tutoring services for the NURS FPX 4040 series is a decisive step towards excellence in informatics. With our customized support, expert guidance, and comprehensive tutoring approach, you're poised to excel in your assessments and make a significant impact in the field. Elevate your understanding of informatics with our expert NURS FPX 4040 assessment tutoring. Contact us today to discover how we can help you achieve your goals and advance in your academic journey.

0

JaneJLocane added 13:54 - Sep 17 Education plays an important role in the life of every person. I try to do everything to gain good knowledge. But in some subjects I began to fall behind. That's why I came here https://writingmetier.com/chemistry-writing-help/ to find chemistry helpers. They helped me with my writing assignments. And I improved my grades in a short time.
0

Blogs 31 bloggers

Arsenal Polls