Unique Hub: Foster Inclusion With Diverse Offer

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Blog written by Unique Community Hub for Active Calderdale


At Unique Community Hub, we are thrilled to share the latest updates on our transformative projects that aim to foster inclusion, promote physical activity, and build connections within our community.

S.E.N.D Project: A Welcoming Space for All

Building on the success of our summer Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) initiative, we are continuing our SEND Project. This term, we are excited to introduce a weekly session during term time, alongside additional sessions during school half-terms.

Our SEND sessions will take place on Thursday evenings for two hours, offering a welcoming and supportive environment for young people. Each session is packed with engaging activities, including floor games, sensory play, ABC activities, boxing, cycling, and outdoor games on our new 4G pitch. With a focus on inclusivity and fun, the SEND Program aims to enhance the physical and social well-being of participants, helping them build confidence, develop new skills, and foster friendships. We look forward to supporting these young people as they thrive in our nurturing community!

Success Story

One inspiring example comes from a young girl with visual impairments who attended our Hub this summer. Initially struggling with social interactions and physical activities, she found her stride in our SEND sessions. With tailored activities such as sensory play, cycling, and scooting around the new track, she quickly engaged in a comfortable environment. The staff and children formed a line and clapped to help her navigate the cycle track safely.

Her mother noted significant improvements in her confidence and willingness to interact, sharing:

"She looks forward to these sessions every week and is even starting to make friends."

Toyoba, our sessional lead for the SEND provision, reflected on the experience, saying:

“It was a heartwarming moment, and it’s inspiring to see everyone come together to support this young girl's journey. The spirit of inclusion truly makes a difference.”

Large group of children and young people sat in People's Park in hi-vis jackets with Unique Community Hub staff members.

Engaging with Faith Organisations Project

Our "Engaging with Faith Organisations Project" aims to strengthen community connections by offering our facilities—youth club, gym, field, and 4G pitch—to local mosques. With weekly slots available, we expect to reach up to 300 new children and young people, with a special focus on encouraging girls to participate.

Local mosque trustees have highlighted that high venue hiring costs have limited access to physical activities. Our central location and qualified coaches provide an attractive, affordable option for these organisations, promoting active behaviours and building relationships among young people in the community.

Growth Through Participation

Take the story of Hanah, a 14-year-old girl from a local mosque. Initially hesitant to participate in sports due to cultural barriers, she was encouraged by friends to join the Faith Organisations Project. Now, she’s gaining confidence and enjoying sports sessions at Unique Community Hub, stating:

"I never thought I could play sports outside of school. I’m so glad I joined, and I’m getting more comfortable in the gym and on the football pitch."

The mosque has now block booked our facility for Friday evenings, replacing classroom sessions with sports, attracting 150 children and young people over the past six weeks.

Group of children in hi-vis jackets each moving around with a football outside on the Unique Community Hub 4G pitch.

Weekend Sports & Football Project

Our Weekend Sports & Football Project is designed to provide inclusive sessions and specialised coaching for everyone, from casual players to gifted athletes. This term, we’ve introduced two new teams to complement our existing men’s football team, encouraging greater participation.

Training sessions take place for two hours on Fridays and Saturdays, with games scheduled for Sundays in the Calder Valley league and Mondays in the Veterans league. Based on the success of our pilot programme, we anticipate over 100 participants registered weekly, including a veteran’s team and opportunities for refugees and asylum seekers in partnership with the St Augustine’s Centre.

Community Connection

Yahya, a 27-year-old refugee, exemplifies the spirit of our Weekend Sports & Football Programme. After arriving in the area, he sought connections and proposed an open-access football session for newcomers. Through our programme, Yahya found a welcoming environment to share his passion for football and connect with players from diverse backgrounds. He explained:

"Football has always been my escape, and now I have found a family here."

His involvement has significantly improved his mental well-being, forming friendships and a sense of community.

A wide shot showing the outside grounds of Unique Community Hub and people playing football on the 4G pitches.

Outreach/Twilight Project

We are reintroducing the Twilight League street games, aimed at engaging young people in activities that promote fitness and reduce anti-social behaviour. Anticipating participation from up to 100 boys weekly, we’ll organise them into 20 teams across three age groups.

Additionally, we’re bringing back popular pop-up boxing sessions, each lasting two hours and accommodating 25 participants. Stay tuned for a pop-up session near you!

Transformational Journey

Mehran’s story highlights the positive impact of our outreach sessions. Previously involved in anti-social behaviour, he turned his life around through the Twilight League and pop-up boxing, finding a safe outlet for his energy. He shared:

“I’m really enjoying these sessions. It’s great to get the extra training and compete at a high level.”

Mehran has since become a European champion and now coaches mixed martial arts and circuit training, inspiring other young people to channel their energy positively!

A Unique Community Hub member of staff leading a boxing session with a group of boys inside a boxing gym environment.

UCH Empowering Women Project

We are excited to announce the launch of our "Empowering Women Project," aimed at creating a supportive and active community for women and girls. Following a successful pilot programme, over 200 women and girls now attend our gym, Boxercise, football, and girls-only youth sessions.

This initiative will include a variety of free sessions at our Raven Street Community Hub, providing a safe environment for women to pursue their fitness goals. We will also offer female-only netball and football sessions, promoting physical health, building confidence, and fostering community ties among participants.

We look forward to seeing our participants flourish through sport and camaraderie. Stay tuned for updates and successes from our sessions!

At Unique Community Hub, we are committed to empowering our community through inclusive and engaging programmes. Thank you for joining us on this journey!

A group of women and girls sat in a circle talking.