Projects
Find Out Our Top Projects
Youth Outreach and Detached Project
During lockdown we developed a project to engage with young people to encourage them to maintain their mental well-being, support each other through networks and participate in virtual sporting sessions. The project was successful in helping young people navigate challenging situations and connect through periods of isolation.
Leadership Coaching Sessions
A range of Ekota volunteers are currently progressing through a leadership program. They are being taught key leadership theories, given real life task to undertake and connected to a peer network.
Covid Community Response Project
The pandemic created challenges for the organisations outreach work. Working with Sports England and City Bridge Trust Ekota has developed new ways of engaging virtually and is working to strengthen its social media and digital platforms to support this work.
2021 International Women’s day
On International Women’s Day,Ekotain partnership with Barking and Dagenham Council brought together a diverse group ofoutstanding women to share their lived experience focussing on this year’s theme of ‘Choose to Challenge’. This content was shared virtually and through social network platforms with high levels of measured engagement. The networks created from that day continue to be built upon and we will continue to develop this further.
Mental Health and Wellbeing 1-2-1 Support
This project is aimed at supporting a range of at-risk individuals with direct support to help them through mental health challenges such as anxiety. Qualified coaches provide ongoing support to help provide coping mechanisms, access support and build resilience.
Activities and Games using a Social Distancing Model
During the many periods of lockdown Ekota organised a range of virtual sporting sessions such as cricket and football. This was challenging but our coaches managed to develop sessions which allowed us to engage and work around what could and could not be done! In addition during the periods when restrictions were lifted a number of social events such as ‘zorb’ football was held to encourage young people to return to activities in a safe and fun manner.
Health Education Project
This project was developed through the support of Sports Lottery Funding. Adults and teenagers were encouraged to learn more about physical and mental well-being, how to cope with issues such as isolation and participated in Ekotasporting activities - in person or virtually. Many of those who got involved through this project are still currently involved with the organization resulting in a strong legacy for all.
I Soul Volunteers Training
I Soul Volunteer’s training package is a project delivered, in partnership with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and The National Lottery Community Fund.This fantastic programme involved training several volunteers in leadership, risk management and strengthening broader voluntary skills. Those involved have given excellent feedback on this learning opportunity and its impact.
Access to Coaching Training
Ekota is always keen to work with our volunteers to strengthen their skills. We have provided a number of opportunities to individuals to achieve coaching qualifications including recent training of a number of female cricketing coaches.
Community Events and Promotion
Ekota has held a number of community celebration events in The Vibe, in Goodmayes Park and at other local venues. Covid has limited our ability to bring people together in physical spaces, but we are currently planning an event in 2021 to mark the end of our Dynamo’s and All Stars’ program and the launch of the Hub.
