Beacon of Light - Story so far

BEACON OF LIGHT - STORY SO FAR

LIGHTING

UP

NORTH

EAST

LIVES

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PROGRESSIVE INCLUSIVE VITAL VIBRANT ASPIRATIONAL

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BEACON OF LIGHT THE BEACON IS FULFILLING OUR PROMISE OF PROVIDING AN ‘ALL-INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY HUB’ WHERE EVERYONE WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO IMPROVE THEIR LIVES, WITH A VAST RANGE OF ACTIVITIES NOW ACCESSIBLE ALL UNDER ONE ROOF. The Sir Tom Cowie Education Zone is a home to classroom-based education for children, adults and families alike covering a diverse range of topics, from core subjects like numeracy and literacy, to first aid and more.

The Vardy Foundation Health and Wellbeing Zone offers support for those suffering with physical and mental health, with physiotherapy and aid for veterans recovering from trauma central to the area’s delivery. Health and Wellbeing is also embedded across all areas of the Beacon including the on-site healthy Centre Circle Kitchen and Jamie Oliver Ministry of Food Kitchen.

The Indoor Arena has become home to many sports clubs and leagues, and the addition of activities like walking football and walking netball ensures that everybody can take part regardless of age or ability.

The rooftop 4G pitch and outdoor 3G pitches host grassroots and youth football, including Foundation Scholars and Girls’ Regional Talent Club, and league nights for a mix of levels.

FOUNDATION OF LIGHT We are the award-winning charity of Sunderland AFC which is dedicated to improving the lives of everyone in our region.

In 18 years we have helped over 400,000 people through community programmes improving educational attainment, physical and mental health, access to sport and sporting progression, and employment prospects.

More importantly we help people raise their aspirations and ambitions, showing them what is possible and helping them achieve their potential.

We are custodians of the Beacon of Light and profits from the Beacon are reinvested back into our communities via our life-changing programmes.

The Arriva World of Work Zone offers industryfocussed learning experiences and qualifications in a range of industries which our region has skills shortages in, including engineering, catering and construction.

Already gaining recognition with three award wins, and highly commended for a fourth, the Beacon of Light is inspiring ways of working within our field.

With more happening every day you can keep up with developments at the Beacon’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

LESLEY SPUHLER OBE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

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SIR TOM COWIE EDUCATION ZONE

ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE BEACON...

A BUILDING FULL OF YOUNGSTERS INSPIRED TO READ MAY SOUND LIKE FANTASY BUT THE SIR TOM COWIE EDUCATION ZONE HELPED MAKE THAT A REALITY ON WORLD BOOK DAY.

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GOLDMAN FOUNDATION

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SIR TOM COWIE EDUCATION ZONE

LEARNING AT EVERY AGE GENERATIONS ARE COMING TOGETHER TO LEARN HOW TO LIVE BETTER LIVES, TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER AND ACHIEVE THEIR POTENTIAL WITH PROGRAMMES LIKE FAMILY LEARNING. GOLDMAN FOUNDATION

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IN FOCUS...

• The classrooms within this zone have allowed us to create special educational events for local schools based around national and international campaigns.

For example, on World Book Day our staff delivered literacyfocused sessions dressed as famous literary characters, while during national storytelling week we welcomed Primary School children to read from their favourite books to residents from a local care home.

•L earning for Families has been held with parents and their children learning about a variety of subjects including mental health, nutrition and physical fitness.

•O ver 16s without direction or the confidence to progress after school have benefited from the Back on Track programme delivered within this zone, gaining the qualifications, guidance and skills needed to move their lives forward.

• Our programme delivery hasn’t just focused on ‘end users’ - the Disability Champions programme has been delivered to a range of professionals both from sport, education and management settings with the aim of providing an overview of SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), improving inclusivity for all. We have also hosted Teacher and Coach CPD (continuous professional development) events helping educators access the latest skills and knowledge, thereby improving their impact within their own learning environments.

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THE VARDY FOUNDATION HEALTH AND WELLBEING ZONE

HA’WEIGH THE LASSES! LADIES FITNESS JOINS THE BEACON OF LIGHT AS WE EMPOWER WOMEN TO TAKE CONTROL OF THEIR HEALTH.

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After Man v Fat delivered such great results for local men wanting to improve their health, we launched Ha’Weigh the Lasses, helping women live healthier, happier lives.

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THE VARDY FOUNDATION HEALTH AND WELLBEING ZONE

IMPACTS THROUGH INNOVATION THE PIONEERING PROJECTS RUNNING AT THE BEACON ARE IMPROVING PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH FOR ALL AGES.

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IN FOCUS...

• To complement the Man v Fat men’s health programme, we launched Ha’Weigh the Lasses – a women’s health programme with activities steered by the group ran by Foundation specialists. The sessions have proven so popular that within four months of launch we have an additional session.

• I n the Man v Fat programme over three seasons we’ve seen players lose over 100 stone!

One participant has been with us a year and has lost 22% of his starting body weight!

• As well as the sports session targeted specifically at the elderly already mentioned on page 7, we have launched an Extra Time Hub at the Beacon, focused on bringing older people together.

The programme helps battle social isolation, which can impact directly on both physical and mental health, with sport acting as just one element of the programme. The group steer the types of activities that they want to take part in with day trips, boccia and a community choir among the choices so far.

• Veterans’ Mental Health Service, run by NHS, has launched as part of a new initiative to help former servicemen and women settle into civilian life is now based within the Health and Wellbeing Zone.

OVER 100 STONE LOST IN THE MAN V FAT MENS’ HEALTH PROGRAMME

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BEACON HIGHLIGHTS

A ROYAL WELCOMING ON 6TH MARCH WE WERE HONOURED TO WELCOME OUR ROYAL PATRON THE COUNTESS OF WESSEX GCVO TO OFFICIALLY OPEN THE BEACON OF LIGHT. A DAY TO REMEMBER Her Royal Highness met with those who are benefitting from the £20 million community facility, as well as organisations, local companies and charity supporters who were vital in making the eight-year project a reality. A long-time supporter of the Foundation, the Countess joined CEO Lesley Spuhler OBE on a tour of the Beacon,

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which opened its doors in 2018, spending time with children and families who were taking part in a range of activities from playing football on the rooftop 4G pitch to cooking healthy meals in the new Jamie Oliver Ministry of Food Kitchen. Following the official opening ceremony, The Countess was guest of honour at the Foundation’s first Gala Awards Dinner, which celebrated

the achievements and impact the charity has made to North East lives over the past year, closing the ceremony with a speech paying tribute to the Foundation and the hard work and commitment that brought the Beacon to life.

From Top: HRH with the Royal opening plaque; Sir Tim Rice entertaining the audience; HRH cooking heathy pizzas in the Jamie Oliver Ministry of Food Kitchen

A CENTRE FOR PEOPLE TO ACHIEVE, CELEBRATE AND BE INSPIRED Over the course of three days in March we welcomed over 1,100 guests to the Beacon of Light as we transformed the indoor arena to host two of the region’s most prestigious events. Our previouslymentioned Gala Dinner took place concluding with ‘An evening with Sir Tim Rice and Friends’.

The Oscar-winning Foundation of Light Trustee entertained the room with tales from some of his best-loved songs from show such as the Lion King, Evita and Jesus Christ Superstar, performed by West End singers accompanied by a live backing band. Guests also enjoyed a three-course dinner (prepared on site), table service and pre-event drinks reception.

Two days later we welcomed the

Red Sky Ball, a charity event that raises money for the Children’s Heart Unit Fund. With over 700 guests and a completely different show including aerial performers suspended from the ceiling, the event showed the centre’s versatility. Revenue from both events will support the rest of the community work that you read about here.

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SPORT AND PLAY

SPORT FOR ALL THE BEACON OF LIGHT HAS MADE ELITE SPORTING FACILITIES AVAILABLE TO PLAYERS AT ALL LEVELS AND ABILITIES.

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A CHANCE FOR EVERYONE TO PLAY WE’VE CREATED A REGIONAL CENTRE FOR DISABILITY SPORT, HELPING YOUNG AND OLD ENJOY SPORT MORE THROUGH INNVOVATIVE SESSIONS AND PROVIDING EXPERT TUITION TO THOSE WANTING TO COACH AND TEACH THOSE WITH DISABILITIES

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SPORT AND PLAY

A VIBRANT SPORTS HUB FOR OUR COMMUNITY FROM LITTLE DRIBBLERS TODDLERS’ FOOTBALL, TO WALKING FOOTBALL AND NETBALL FOR OUR MORE SENIOR PLAYERS THERE’S SOMETHING FOR ALL AGES AT THE BEACON.

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IN FOCUS...

• W alking football has become well-established within the Beacon of Light, and Sunderland players recently welcomed Carlisle United Walking Football Club, Peterlee Helford and Seaton Crew to the Beacon for a recent tournament.

Walking netball and ‘Back to Netball’ sessions continue to grow with weekly sessions and an over 50’s Table Tennis club has recently been launched.

• Foundation of Light’s Sunderland Scholarship programme has just completed its first season based at the Beacon, with four squads using the facilities to compete in a national league while undertaking A-levels and Level 3 qualifications.

• A partnership with the Russell Foster Youth League has been launched with over 200 youngsters playing at the Beacon every week.

• We now host both North Durham County Association Netball Junior and Senior Leagues. The Beacon has been selected as a home venue for North East Netball’s U16 and U19 squads and it is also used as a training hub for the National Colleges Netball squad who went on to compete against teams from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

• D urham FA Futsal leagues are now established at the Beacon with approximately 150 players playing competitive futsal every week. The Beacon has hosted national and regional Futsal tournaments with over 80 teams taking part as well as the Durham Schools Futsal Finals with 20 schools competing to progress to National Finals.

• The Beacon is now one of the host venues for the Tyne and Wear Sports School Games. It has also been used as a venue for the Primary Schools Netball tournament and Secondary School Girls football competition. We also hosted Sunderland Councils Big Indoor Sports Festival with over 2000 people getting the chance to try a range of different sports.

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ARRIVA WORLD OF WORK ZONE

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EMPLOYMENT DRIVE THE ARRIVA WORLD OF WORK ZONE IS DEVELOPING INTO ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S MOST INNOVATIVE WORK-BASED LEARNING AREAS, SUPPORTING THE INDUSTRIES THAT DRIVE OUR REGION.

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ARRIVA WORLD OF WORK ZONE

LEARNING THAT WORKS BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT THROUGH INNOVATION AND PASSION.

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IN FOCUS...

•J ustine Greening MP and

David Harrison launched the Harrison Prize competition for pupils using the Harrison Centre for Social Mobility, promoting entrepreneurial skills and encouraging innovation in business.

•C onstruction is the latest sector to be represented within the Beacon with support from Barratt Homes Construction Academy.

•E mployability programmes at the Beacon of Light will be doubling in size in September in response to the fantastic success of the centre during its first year.

•J amie Oliver Ministry of Food kitchen is being used to deliver catering qualifications, as well as lessons on how to cook healthy meals on evenings with families building important skills from an early age.

•Q ualifications on offer from September 2019 will include Entry Level-Level 1/2 in: Catering and Hospitality; Engineering and Manufacturing; Sport and Leisure; ICT and Digital; Health and Social Care; Business Services; Enterprise and Employability; and Construction.

SEVEN INDUSTRIES SUPPORTED THROUGH THE WORLD OF WORK

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PLAY YOUR PART As you can see, the Beacon of Light offers almost limitless possibilities.

There are a range of sponsorship opportunities still available to support the work being done here including sponsorship of staff members delivering our life-changing work, branding on the feature ‘73 steps’ feature staircase, and naming right of football pitches. In addition to the fantastic community work featured here, the Beacon is ideal for private events, team-building days and off-site meetings.

Contact Claire on 0191 563 4733 or clare.wilson@foundationoflight.co.uk for more information.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT SO FAR... a bank for good

NORTHERN ROCK FOUNDATION

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RONNIE TURNBULL FENCE HOUSES

IN THE FIRST 9 MONTH SINCE OPENING:

WON THREE AWARDS AND HIGHLY COMMENDED IN ANOTHER

OVER 5,500 INDIVIDUAL VISITORS EVERY WEEK - OVER 145,000 VISITS SINCE OPENING

7.4% USE BY BLACK, ASIAN AND MINORITY ETHNICS (LOCAL POPULATION 0.5%)

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BEACON OF LIGHT STADIUM PARK SUNDERLAND SR5 1SN 0191 563 4818 BUSINESS@BEACONOFLIGHT.CO.UK BEACONOFLIGHT.CO.UK

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FOUNDATION OF LIGHT REGISTERED CHARITY NO: 1089333

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