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How our Strategy was created and How we know it’s working
FOREWORD
KEVIN THOBURN
HEAD OF TRUST
Bedfordshire is made up of vibrant, ambitious and resilient communities. It has long been a progressive model of multiculturalism, its’ identity enriched by its diversity. We are proud to be from here: we exist to support our communities and the people within them.
Despite this immense spirit, the county is faced with unprecedented social challenges. The covid pandemic has been a game changer for society affecting every individual and organisation in different ways. For charitable organisations, the future is uncertain, although we can say with certainty it will be challenging, as we look to recover from the biggest crisis in a generation. This strategy outlines how we are going to help people to overcome social challenges over the next four years and beyond. The diverse nature of our work often brings us into contact with those on the edge of society or those who are disengaged, lonely, live in poverty or live with a disability. The pandemic will unquestionably have accentuated social divides and widened inequality. Luton Town FC Community Trust is an independent, registered charity governed by a board of trustees and our first job is to listen and understand our diverse communities. 1 in 3 adults are physically inactive and 40% of 11year-olds are overweight or obese. Educational attainment falls well below the national average and close to one third of Luton residents are experiencing deprivation. Anti-social behaviour and knife crime are at record levels. These issues are deep-rooted and acute. We need to understand the causes before we can address the problems. We know that a one-size-fits-all approach will not work. Our communities are large and varied – challenges faced in inner-city Luton or Bedford may not be the same as those in rural Ampthill. Our approach will be to respond to all communities needs on a local level – inclusive practice underpins all of our work. The plan is driven by our core values of Engage, Inspire and Empower, which we embed through Respect, Pride and Inclusivity. With the power of the football club sitting at the heart of its community our talented and dedicated staff have decades of experience between them in delivering high quality projects with genuine impact that will focus on the three strategic aims. • Creating healthy habits for life • Offering opportunities for the next generation to play and succeed • Supporting our whole community The pandemic means our first and additional strategic aim, will be to rebuild our capacity and re-engage with our communities. We cannot achieve this alone and our success so far has been through building and sustaining key partnerships locally and nationally with those who can help us deliver our strategic aims. Our success will be measured by long-term, sustainable and measurable impact. Needs will change, Covid has created new challenges. We aim to develop our delivery, create partnerships and seek expertise to help people, change lives and transform communities.
Kevin Thoburn, Head of Trust January 2021 BOB CURSON
TRUSTEE BOARD CHAIRMAN AND DIRECTOR OF LUTON TOWN FC
The Trustees are proud of the work that the charity does to improve the lives of local people in Bedfordshire.
Covid has had a devastating effect on all of our lives and has also had a major impact on the work of our charity. The next two years will be a case of re-building our capacity to ensure our activity once again begins to deliver huge benefits to the local community. The power of the Luton Town Football Club brand coupled with the immense effort and dedication of the staff is a major contributing factor in our effort to make changes for the good in our local community. Prior to the pandemic, we engaged with over 3,500 men, women and children every week and over the past ten years we have grown from strength to strength and are now considered to be a part of everyday life to many people who would have missed an opportunity to improve their future in a positive way. With renewed capacity the trustees are confident the charity will continue to have a significant impact on the local community.
EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION SUPPORTING OUR WHOLE COMMUNITY
