Can sport prevent homelessness?
Sport is a powerful driver of social and economic good. From job creation to revenue generation, infrastructure development to inclusivity and cohesion, grassroots organisations, well-established clubs and everything in between can have a transformative impact on the economy and local communities.
“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does”
But sport’s value is more than economic. Interventions and sport-led initiatives can contribute to improved physical and mental health outcomes, bridge social divides, empower marginalised groups and establish strong advocacy platforms.
To unlock the power of sport as a driver of deep and lasting social change, there is space for more strategic alignment between direct sport interventions and VCSFE and public sector expertise to maximise the potential impact.
These topics were at the heart of our latest policy roundtable with leaders in sport from across West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester. Co-hosted with Jo Metcalfe, Associate at the Centre for Homelessness Impact, delegates spanned clubs and foundations from different sports and of different scales, alongside charities and public sector bodies working across homelessness, sports and community engagement.
The objectives were to:
Explore the current role that sport plays in accelerating the end to homelessness;
Understand the gaps and points of leverage for sport and homelessness; and,
Consider next steps and our role as change-makers in harnessing the potential identified.
The overall discussion centred six key themes: collaboration and siloed working; employability and social mobility; evidence and data; advocacy; social investment; and partnerships. Running throughout was an implicit or explicit recognition of the power of sport as a vehicle of social change, and a willingness to collaborate for further impact. You can learn more in the full briefing from the day here.
To learn more about the series, get in touch today!