Making CSR deliver with Newcastle Rugby Foundation
One of the Falcons Community Foundation’s most successful schools education programmes, Tackling Health with Greggs continues to grow, with the programme now a nationwide initiative delivered by all 12 Premiership Rugby clubs.
Started in 2015, Tackling Health with Greggs has evolved from a North East based project reaching 750 young people from 15 schools based in the North East, to a nationwide initiative that engages with 30,000 young people across 230 schools via the Premiership Rugby network.
It is a shining example of how forward-thinking companies can not only use their CSR activity to deliver tangible projects in the communities they serve but also see their support grow into a partnership that delivers for other areas of their business.
With the Greggs Foundation supporting the delivery of the programme, their budget gets to work in some of the North East’s most deprived communities, educating children on their own health and wellbeing and providing the inspirational opportunity to play on the main pitch at Kingston Park Stadium.
Aligned to support schools with a Greggs breakfast club, the partnership has also seen the Falcons Community Foundation provide support of the nearest breakfast club at North Fawdon Primary, in addition to a host of additional opportunities.
As part of the partnership, the Greggs Foundation has also been able to attend business events and networking opportunities and also receive the support of the Falcons Community Foundation in other areas of activity and vice versa.
This has included players and staff assisting the Greggs Foundation in fundraising for the annual Children in Need appeal and taking part in a beach clean as part of the support of the Surfers against Sewage campaign.
Tracy Lynch, foundation manager, Greggs Foundation, said: “When organisations combine their ideas, resources and passion together they can often have a greater impact than working on their own.
“Tackling Health is a fantastic example of how collaborative action can inspire organisations to achieve and sustain positive long-lasting impact.
“What started out as the delivery of a rugby focussed physical and health education programme in 15 of our Breakfast Club schools in the North East, in partnership with Newcastle Falcons, has developed into a nation-wide programme in partnership with Premiership Rugby.
“Thanks to this collaborative approach, the Tackling Health programme will offer thousands of children from our nation-wide Breakfast Clubs the opportunity to learn more about making healthier food choices and encourage them to get active through playing tag rugby.
“It has never been more important to support young people in leading healthier, more active lives. If children catch the exercise bug early enough they tend to stick with it, leading to a more generally active and healthy lifestyle and we are proud to be doing our part.”
