During the first lockdown in 2020, Alive and Kicking (AK) were quick to respond to the COVID-19 crisis thanks to the kind support of the City Bridge Trust. The grant enabled AK to develop a play based education curriculum, delivered through local London partners, that would teach young people about how COVID-19 developed into a pandemic, how they could stay healthy in isolation, how they could return to normal life safely once restrictions are lifted and how they could help stop the spread of similar viruses in the future.
With the support of health professionals, AK developed two COVID-19 education curriculums. One was designed to be used by individuals or households under strict COVID-19 measures and the other was specifically for small groups of young people which could be delivered safely when restrictions eased. This approach has meant local partners have been able to easily adapt their delivery approach as the government has changed lockdown rules in London.
52 organisations across London, including schools, sports charities, colleges, and Premier League football foundations were empowered to roll out both curriculum programmes to young people.
This meant that 8,684 young people were able to access the programme to build their knowledge about COVID-19.
100% of respondent organisations said participant knowledge (for example knowing how COVID-19 spreads) had improved over the duration of curriculum delivery (37% much improved, 63% somewhat improved.)
75% of respondent organisations said participant behaviour (for example doing more to reduce risks like avoiding shaking hands) had improved over the duration of curriculum delivery (33% much improved, 67% somewhat improved). 25% said participant behaviour had stayed the same.
77% of respondent organisations said participant attitudes (for example, being more willing to talk about COVID-19 and their own situations) had improved over the duration of curriculum delivery (57% much improved, 43% somewhat improved). 23% said participant attitudes stayed the same.
Unfortunately, COVID-19 is still very much part of everyday life, so the two education curriculums remain relevant. They continue to be rolled out across AK’s London partners and requests continue to be received from new organisations for access to resources and support in delivery. AK are committed to continuing to provide access to as many organisations as possible. Please do email info@aliveandkicking.org if you would like to find out more.
We would like to thank the City Bridge Trust for their support and enabling AK to make an impact across the Capital.
