Projects
Find out about some of our projects
Youth Outreach and Detached Project
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.
Warm Bank
During the winter the café and hub operated as a Warm bank providing space for those who needed somewhere to access a warm drink and warm shelter.
International Women’s Day
On International Women’s Day, Ekota, in partnership with Barking and Dagenham Council brought together a diverse group of outstanding women to share their lived experiences. 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 aimed to support a range of at-risk individuals with direct support to help them through mental health challenges such as anxiety. Qualified coaches provided 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 Ekota sporting activities - in person or virtually. Many of those who got involved through this project are still currently involved with the organisation 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 numerous community celebration events. This includes annual celebrations to recognise achievements and mark the end of Dynamo and All-Stars programmes.
Cycling Scheme
As part of a three year programme, Ekota has been delivering weekly cycling education to young children , developing confidence and safety. These sessions are delivered by a trained instructor and has proven to be a popular activity within the community. Three of our Ekota team are now fully trained cycling instructors following an intensive training programme and testing. This provides a great platform for providing further cycling schemes including our plans to encourage more women to learn how to cycle.
Training for Young People
Ekota has been training many of our young volunteers to achieve coaching qualifications which will support them in future career paths , helps develop their confidence and their ability to deliver the work they do with Ekota.
Female leadership Development
Ekota delivered an impactful project for young teenage girls. This aimed to support them to develop their confidence and skills, as well as encouraging them to engage in sporting activities. This helped them to see sport as more than just a physical activity and also to consider it as something that girls can get involved in.
Covid Community Response Project
The pandemic created challenges for the organisation's outreach work. Working with Sports England and City Bridge Trust, Ekota developed new ways of engaging virtually and worked to strengthen its social media and digital platforms to support this work.
