SOHK programmes and operating model
SOHK run two programmes; SOHK for Schools and SOHK for Adults. Both focus on increasing physical activity, improving mental wellbeing and helping our beneficiaries reach their potential.
SOHK for Schools is a unique three-year intervention that uses rugby coaching, classroom sessions and mentoring to improve attendance and behaviour at school. Its ultimate aim is to avoid permanent exclusion for those most at risk of educational disengagement.
The programme is designed as a long-term, consistent intervention with children who might otherwise become NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training). IPPR (2017) estimates that the average cost to society of an excluded student is £371,000, through unemployment, poor health, criminal activity and poor quality care for dependents. SOHK for Schools is designed to help students stay in mainstream education and avoid these consequences.
I’ve changed a lot in school and out of school. My bad behaviour has disappeared and I’ve been getting more positive feedback.
SOHK for Adults involve a mixture of sporting activity and a specific employability and life skills curriculum, for 2 days per week over 8 weeks. Our curriculum uses a mixture of teambuilding experiences, inspirational role models and accessible models to help participants set goals, define their values and map their pathways to success.
We believe that people cannot sustain paid employment until they are emotionally and intellectually ready, and so our courses cover The Person (what are your values, what are your aspirations, what sort of person should you be); The Mind (managing fear/anger, identifying stepping stones to success, maintaining motivation); and then The Career (interview skills, CVs and cover letters, job applications). All work on and off the pitch is underpinned by our defined psychology, which revolves around well-established psychological concepts.
Well, what a year! Started off on SOHK course and a match at Cardiff Arms Park! Through that course landed me the job I'm in now, moved into my flat not long after, and about to spend our first Christmas together as a family so yeah this year has been a blast!
SOHK's registered office in now in Edinburgh with the back office team working remotely, across the country. The CEO, Head of Communications, Partnership Executive, Events Coordinator and Bookkeeper are all based in the London area, while our Director of Finance and Operations Executive work out of the Edinburgh office.
Based in London, the England Team consists of the Director of Programmes, the National Schools Manager, the London Schools Manager, two SEL Leads and two Facilitators.
In Wales, the SOHK team are based in Cardiff. The Director of Programmes Cymru works alongside the Schools and Adult Managers, three facilitators, two SEL Leads, and a Coach.
In Scotland, the Director of Programmes, two course facilitators, SEL Lead and Coach are based in Edinburgh.
In addition to our core staff, SOHK has a number of regular freelance staff. This includes fitness, boxing and rugby coaches, nutritional experts and psychologists.
