A new, pioneering programme has been launched by Sussex Cricket in the Community.
Sussex Cricket in the Community was formed a year ago, with the aim being to use the values that are central to cricket as a way of increasing educational performance and promoting healthy lifestyles, and to encourage more people from more diverse communities to play and follow cricket.
Today, Sussex Cricket in the Community have been joined by Peter Kyle, MP for Hove and Portslade to launch the “No Boundaries” programme, a training programme specifically for those currently unemployed who are seeking to enhance their employability skills.
The programme, funded by the Department of Work and Pensions, will see in the region of 90 people from Brighton and Hove in several cohorts over the next 6 months. Sussex is the first county cricket body in England to work directly with this government arm, focusing exclusively on education and employability.
Tim Shutt, Head of Sussex Cricket in the Community said, “Cricket, and sport in general, is a very powerful tool. Whilst the Sussex Cricket Board has delivered participation programmes for many years to numerous community groups, this is the first major venture within the strategy to use cricket to support adult education and employability. The programme is the first of its kind in cricket in this country.”
Peter Kyle, MP for Hove and Portslade said, “I admire very much what Sussex Cricket in the Community are doing to help local people improve their skills. As a landmark stadium bringing world class cricket to the heart of Hove it’s great that they are reaching out to local residents to give them the opportunity to receive employment training. I will do all I can to support the programme and help it become a success.”
Marc Smith, from the Department of Work and Pensions said “We are proud to be supporting Sussex Cricket in the Community with their innovative “No Boundaries” Programme. We believe it will be a very positive experience for the people in the Brighton and Hove area who need more in-depth support to achieve their aspirations.”
Sussex Cricket in the Community is a collaborative venture, governed by the Sussex Cricket Board and delivered in conjunction with Sussex County Cricket Club and the charitable arm, namely Sussex Cricket in the Community Trust. For more information, visit www.sussexcricket.co.uk/scitc
