Using the Together Fund to extend physical activity opportunities to Ukrainian refugees: Gateway Church
The Gateway International Café (iCaf) started off in 2022 as a weekly international café, in which refugees, migrants and asylum seekers could converge to meet new people, and learn English. They also now hold physical activity classes to help those at risk of physical inactivity take part in exercise. This vital Norwich-based voluntary service provides a safe and welcoming space for those who need it most.
Since the war in Ukraine began in 2022, the Ukrainian population of Norfolk increased markedly through the refugee scheme. Many of the refugees who approached Gateway Church knew limited English. Many were finding it hard to access vital services for their mental and physical health.
With this in mind, Gateway Church worked with Active Norfolk to apply for funding through the Together Fund. This funding was to develop the existing fitness classes already being run by the community. This funding would be used to sustain the classes and offer them out to a wider range of people who could benefit.
The Aim
After being approached by the West Norfolk locality officer about the Together Fund, Gateway Church worked with Active Norfolk to construct their application.
They applied for £2800 worth of funding, which was allocated to cover the cost of two multi-lingual, TEFL qualified fitness instructors, venue hire and better equipment for their fitness classes.
With these costs covered, this enabled Gateway Church to offer fitness classes such as Zumba and Dance Fitness to Ukrainian refugees and others who could benefit for free.
The Challenges
Gateway Church reported the application as being straightforward, thanks to the help of the West Norfolk Locality Officer, Rebecca Tuff.
Rebecca worked with the organisation to push their application through to completion.
One challenge faced was when the provider realised that the community would not have the available funds to pay for the fitness sessions. They worked with Active Norfolk to overcome this challenge by applying for an extension which was granted, thus enabling them to offer out the sessions for free.
Another smaller challenge was the difficulty engaging with men through Zumba and Belly Dancing. The provider addressed this by rebranding the classes as ‘Dance Fitness’ to engage with more people.
Sport England have been wonderful in helping us provide fitness activities for refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine. The sessions have boosted wellbeing, fitness and have led to better mental health.
Andy Moyle, Gateway iCaf
The Approach
What was the funding used for?
The funding was used first and foremost to pay for the cost of two multi-lingual fitness instructors. These instructors were TFEL qualified, and by removing any potential language barriers, it ensured all the exercises/instructions were clear and beneficial to the participants.
This funding was also used for room hire (as the sessions had previously been held in the park) and equipment hire. This meant sessions could continue into winter when the weather would make outdoor sessions less appealing.
The session being funded has enabled Gateway Church to offer the sessions to participants for free. This was so those who would otherwise be unable to afford it could attend.
Engaging participants
Since more Ukrainian refugees arrived in Norfolk, there has been a natural increase in participants to the Gateway iCaf. All of these participants were encouraged to attend the exercise classes, which meant a good number of attendees. By hiring multi-lingual instructors, this helps to remove any language barriers, which may have prevented people from attending.
The Outcomes: Gateway iCaf
The provider has collected feedback forms from participants to measure the outcomes of the sessions, all of which have been positive. Participants were asked to provide information on whether the activity had given them opportunities to try more things. They were also asked whether it had encouraged them to do more activity than they usually would.
Some notable results from the feedback are as follows:
- 78% said the project had enabled them to do more exercise than they would have done without it
- 89% said they had gotten the chance to try new activities
- 100% of participants said the sessions had been good for their physical and mental health and wellbeing, and helped them to feel more connected to their local community
- The average rating for the sessions was 9.8 out of 10
“I’ve had a healthier body, better mood and made new friends.
Thank you for such happiness.”
Zumba participant, Gateway iCaf
Being a homebased worker, I hardly do any physical activities so to be able to get out of the house and do some exercise is really important for my weekly routine.
Zumba and Dance Fit participant, Gateway iCaf
Find out more
Gateway iCaf worked with Active Norfolk to submit a successful funding application through the Together Fund.
Whilst applications for this fund have now closed, you can see some of the other funding pots available below.