Community Case Studies

Community Chiefs CASE STU DIES

Emily CHI EFS EN G AG E Emily, a proactive student of the Chiefs Engage programme, has recently achieved commendable milestones that underscore her growing leadership and professional skills.

Emily's peers recognized her leadership qualities and commitment to community service by electing her to the prestigious position of the East Devon Junior Council. This role offers her a platform to contribute to local governance and advocate for youth interests, demonstrating her civic engagement and leadership acumen.

Elliot ACT LIK E A CHIEF Whilst in Alphington Primary school delivering the Act Like a Chief programme we met Elliot.

Who before the project had never played rugby and although was a vibrant and intelligent young man would sometimes make incorrect or poor decisions.

However, 8 months on Elliot is a regular attendee and performer for his local rugby club the Exeter Saracens. Elliot’s decision making has meant he is now performing better in class with a more positive attitude and outlook across the whole school. Elliot’s response to the Act Like a Chiefs programme is now a prime example of the importance of demonstrating the core values of rugby.

Elliot regularly now demonstrates teamwork, respect, discipline, sportsmanship, and enjoyment at all times, and we wish Elliot all the luck and best in his future.

Bella P ROJECT RU GBY

Our Project Rugby participant Bella first picked up rugby at school through the Project Rugby programme. Bella enjoyed it so much that she has since been inspired to play at her local club. According to Bella, her 'life has changed' as she has 'met new people' and developed a 'passion' for rugby.

For 12 weeks, the Exeter Community Chiefs have been running a 'Pitch Up and Play' at the growing Topsham Rugby Club. Through rain, hail or shine, Bella and lots of other keen young rugby playing girls turned up to train and learn. Week in week out, the girls have been practising tackling, kicking and handling.

Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of targeted educational programmes in enhancing students' confidence and helping them realize their potential.

Kaci HI TZ Our Hitz student Kaci hasn’t let living with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome hold her back. Whilst a lack of support and understanding left Kaci frustrated at school, she flourished in the inclusive environment of HITZ. This is where she identified a clear passion for sport. Through playing rugby, she made new friends and learnt social skills that improved her mental wellbeing. By focusing on her physical training, including going to the gym six times a week, Kaci was confident enough to join the Topsham RFC Ladies team.

HITZ provided a safe space where Kaci, in her own words, ‘feels comfortable and part of a community’. She now talks openly about her feelings and emotions which has helped her avoid slipping into previous bouts of depression. By surrounding herself with the HITZ family, her own family believe she feels listened to, understood and valued.

Now fearless in her rugby and committed to her fitness goals, Kaci now has aspirations to be a PE teacher so she can inspire the next generation of young women. .

Will P ROJECT RU GBY William is wheelchair bound and has had very limited opportunity to play or take part in a lot of sport. Also, he has a twin brother Edward who plays for the Westcountry Hawks wheelchair rugby team which inspires William to take part in sport/rugby.

William who has been at InFocus Charity for 5 years was a star student when we ran the Project Rugby programme. With a great and positive attitude, it was a pleasure to have worked with him.

Also, William taught us that we make the most of the life we have regardless of the setbacks we all face at times. A true inspiration to all!

Cai HI TZ When we first met Cai he had been out of education for some time and after joining us rarely missed a day.

Whilst on our Hitz programme he got fitter and healthier and after completing the Hitz programmr went on to Exeter College to study a level 2 diploma in physical activity and exercise science.

We are incredibly proud of Cai. We look forward to hearing about the next step in his journey. .

Rhys P ROJECT RU GBY After working in Plympton Academy as part of our Project Rugby programme we caught up with Rhys about the positive aspects of the project.

Rhys has said "although I enjoyed rugby at school I’d not played club rugby before. I started becoming more interested when Exeter Chiefs came to my school when we had rugby for PE." Thanks to Project rugby Rhys has joined his local club OPM's with some of his mates.

Rhys now has aspirations to play a very good standard of rugby, playing for his club senior team and being selected for the county squad

Liam HI TZ Initially struggling academically and behaviorally, Liam faced numerous challenges, showing little interest in learning and often being disrespectful.

However, HITZ staff saw potential in him that others had missed. Thanks to their support and a life-changing apprenticeship in Roofing and Cladding offered by Andy Bassett, Liam has drastically improved.

Now a promising apprentice at Progressive Systems, he has been drug-free for two years, mended family ties, and earned a nomination for the ‘National Apprentice of the Year Award’. .

Amelie P ROJECT RU GBY During our time delivering the Project Rugby programme, we have been really lucky to coach Amelie, a pupil at Honiton College.

Amelie has Achromatopsia, which is a severe visual impairment. This means that she can struggle to see the ball, as well as pitch markings and team mates.

Despite this Amelie has been heavily involved in the programme, being taught during PE lessons as well as taking part in rugby sessions outside of school and attending festivals along with the College.

When asked about the programme, Amelie recently said “I really enjoyed rugby and by finding different ways around things it has made me more confident and optimistic about team sports and being able to participate on the same level as others around me”.

Going forwards Amelie would like to play more rugby, as well as trying more team sports as this programme has given her more confidence to try these sports.

Ronin HI TZ Ronin, born with a rare syndrome and autism, exceeded bleak expectations by thriving in the Hitz program, which improved his social skills and confidence despite his physical challenges.

His father, involved with Hitz, witnessed the positive changes in Ronin, who became more sociable and determined.

The family, once worried about his future, now credits the program with enhancing Ronin's development and their family life, grateful to the community for their support. .

Luke CHI EFS EN G AG E Meet Luke. Luke's journey is not just a success story; it's a testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative power of tailored educational support.

Like many others, Luke found himself facing challenges that made traditional educational environments a struggle. It's students like him that our 'Chiefs Engage' initiative aims to support, providing an alternative pathway that doesn’t just lead back to education but opens doors to new beginnings.