Street Football Wales – Tackling Social Exclusion
Solas staff and residents attended the Street Football Wales AGM at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea on the 22nd July. Street Football Wales aim is to increase social exclusion for people facing homelessness, substance misuse and mental ill health. The positive impact for people on their chances of moving on to independent living, education and employment, reducing their substance misuse and improving their emotional wellbeing are great. Through the programme, 2 of the people we support went to the homeless world cup in Milan. Chris Stockwell, collected an award for being nominated as ‘Clubman of the Year’ from the boxer Enzo Maccarinelli. Chris had been living at Clarence Place for 14 months and has now moved on to one of the Solas managed flats where he will receive ongoing floating support. Chris said that “the football has given me a lot more self-confidence & boosted my self-esteem, it’s a massive change from last year. You feel you’re part of something it’s nice to be part of it”.
Unfortunately the Welsh team do not have any funding this year to enable them to go to Brazil for the next homeless world cup. We will be working with partners – including the Gwalia, who are leading the project and street football wales to look at he future funding issue.
Any thoughts of suggestions or donations are very welcome.
