A lifelong Salford resident and former teacher has launched a new programme aimed at motivating and developing young people outside of a standard teaching setting.
The programme hopes to reduce levels of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) by engaging disadvantaged youth in an active, gym-based setting.
Chris Wilde, founder of ‘SkillsFit,’ hopes to keep disengaged young people and those at risk of exclusion from schools along the path of education and prepared for working life.
The former teacher of 19 years said: “It’s having that individual impact on the lives of young people and giving them a step up, giving them a platform and an opportunity to find a space that is fit for them alongside their education or as an alternative to their education.
“There’s more and more young people who need support, direction and guidance.”
SkillsFit has launched amidst record NEET levels across Salford, with services supporting these young people recently being brought back under council control.
This decision to provide stronger support to Salford’s most vulnerable young residents is a mission Chris feels passionately about.
He regularly drops in at schools across Salford to raise awareness about the campaign. Chris said he targets young people who are at risk of exclusion, who are disengaged, who have struggled in terms of mental health, to work on some of those soft skills, resilience or self-confidence.”
Chris highlighted the importance of providing schemes and opportunities in Salford, where levels of highly deprived neighbourhoods are at 26 per cent, with the England average being 10 per cent.
He expressed his love for the city whilst recognising the struggles felt by residents across the city, saying it’s an amazing place, “but it’s got its challenges.”
Sessions are based at MadeForMORE gym in Monton, where participants will boost their ‘core skills’ delivered through gym-based sessions that aim to develop transferable skills by building confidence and personal discipline.
Skills that the programme wants to help develop include communication skills, planning activity sessions, self-assessment and reflection, and leadership.
Partnership with the gym provides a combination of educational structure and pastoral support with health, fitness and coaching from MadeForMORE.
Chris works with schools to identify any pupils who could benefit from the alternative environment, but urges any parents or young people to reach out.
More information can be found on Chris’ LinkedIn page.
Listen below for a snippet of the interview with Chris.
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