Obex Foundation Making a Difference in Luton

Dame Kelly Holmes Trust is thrilled to announce its 2nd year of Partnership with Obex Foundation; continuing the On Track to Achieve (OTTA) programme being delivered at Challney High School for Girls and increasing their support with an additional OTTA programme at Chiltern Academy.

The Challney High School programme has already launched this month, with Chiltern Academy set to kick off in November. The OTTA programme puts world class athletes shoulder to shoulder with young people, equipping them with the tools needed to build confidence, strengthen resilience, and increase self-esteem; improving their wellbeing and encouraging community engagement. Students are identified by their teachers as needing extra support, whether they are facing adversity, personal challenges or are in vulnerable situations, our athlete mentors work alongside them, helping them to believe in themselves and ultimately reach their full potential.

The young people at Challney High School and Chiltern Academy will be supported by athlete mentor, Suzanne Miller, a former national Badminton Champion. Through her guidance, they will harness new skills to help them achieve in school, work and life. Building on the success of last year’s programme, we are excited to see the difference that will be made over this academic year.

Our ambitious goal, in partnership with Obex Foundation, is to expand our delivery of these transformational programmes to all secondary schools in Luton, creating a sustainable, long-term impact in this area of need. We’re keen to collaborate with additional organisations willing to support our mission; helping to fund this initiative, alongside Obex Foundation.

Challney High School’s Success Story

The programme was a great success at Challney High School last year – working with athlete mentor Suzanne Miller, groups worked on a range of issues facing young people today.

A focus on the OTTA programme is a social action project that students are tasked to undertake. This involves coming up with a plan to tackle an issue impacting the lives of young people; then developing, researching and bringing this idea to life, in a way that benefits others.

Year 7 and 8 students delivered an engaging presentation and workshop on addiction awareness, focusing on vaping, drugs, and mobile phone use. Their interactive stall successfully raised awareness of addictive behaviours and promoted healthy habits in the community.

Meanwhile, the Year 9 and 10 students tackled abuse awareness, examining harmful behaviours and educating their peers to help protect potential victims. They organised a bake sale and raffle to raise funds for the local women’s shelter, Azalea, demonstrating their commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals.

Suzanne Miller, athlete mentor, at Challney High School

Victoria Barker, Corporate Partnership Manager at Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, reports that the programme enabled a 60% jump in confidence, a 50% boost in resilience, a 50% rise in self-esteem and an 80% improvement in overall well-being. Teacher Miss N Ponsoby of Challney High School added: “The project has truly changed lives. Our students who struggled with confidence are flourishing this year.”

CEO Martin Talbot summed it up: “Obex Foundation’s continued support is invaluable. Together, we’re reaching more young people and helping them reach their potential.”

If your company or organisation is looking to make a difference to young people’s lives, why not find out more about partnership opportunities with Dame Kelly Holmes Trust today.