Pictured: StreetSmart community launch new program, Active Futures
Active Futures launches with $15,000 in grants
Whether it’s on the court, the pitch, a field, or out on a trail, sport and recreational pursuits are a powerful motivator, healer, and connector. Removing barriers and creating opportunities for people to get involved is how our newest pilot program ‘Active Futures’ is helping reduce social isolation, foster community and connection, and improve health and wellbeing outcomes.
Last week we celebrated the launch of Active Futures with a gathering at Ultra Football, hearing from community partners about the transformative power of their programs, for people at risk of and experiencing homelessness. It was an opportunity for our network of donors, philanthropists and community partners coming together to mark the moment. StreetSmart have been funding sport and recreational programs for the best part of 20 years, supporting those at risk to be involved in a range of activities including running clubs, street soccer tournaments, hiking groups, swimming classes, and basketball teams. Now with the launch of Active futures, we are encouraging and leveraging widespread support to impact more lives.
We’ve been able to kick things off with a inaugural grants round of $15,000 supporting 4 organisations across multiple states, supporting work with at-risk youth, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, those interacting with the justice system, and refugee and migrant communities. With the support of Ultra Football and BlueRock staff, over $2,000 of sporting goods and equipment are also helping kids, families, and individuals, facing homelessness join in sport and recreation activities this summer.
“Sport is the universal language. Our basketball programs are a consistent opportunity for at-risk young people to build confidence, connection, and a sense of community. “– Helping Hoops, Naarm VIC
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The role of sport in supporting those at risk of or experiencing homelessness
For people experiencing homelessness, sport and recreation can deal with one of the biggest hurdles – social isolation. By connecting with peers, people have the opportunity to develop something many of us take for granted – social support systems. Organised sport, particularly team sports, help people feel included and part of something bigger than themselves. Engaging in meaningful activity and working towards a goal gives a significant boost to self-esteem and self-efficacy.
That’s not to mention the health benefits, which are a key focus of many programs. It is well known that homelessness takes a toll on your health. 65% of people who have experienced homelessness have a long-term health condition, and 34% have a mental health condition. 1 in 4 within this cohort would rate their health as fair or poor. Building connection and resilience are often seen as an important part of any housing program.
Read below about some of the important programs we’re funding in this round and how they are bringing about change for young people, children, Indigenous communities, refugee and migrants, and those dealing with mental health, trauma and addiction.
| Organisation | State | Grant Amount |
| First Hike Project | National | $3,750.00 |
| Helping Hoops | VIC | $3,750.00 |
| Hoops 4 Health | NT | $3,750.00 |
| The Big Issue Street Soccer | National | $3,750.00 |
| Total | $15,000.00 |
“This grant will help us tackle homelessness through football and street soccer. Our clients face many barriers to participating in the abovementioned programs. In particular transport. They rely on agencies and services to bring them to sessions. – Big Issue Street Soccer
“At Hoops 4 Health, we see firsthand the complex challenges faced by individuals in prisons and remote NT communities. We encounter youth and adults affected by intergenerational trauma, disrupted education, stigma from incarceration and limited employment opportunities. Our basketball programs provide a pathway for healing, empowerment, and reconnection. By addressing these struggles with culturally informed, strengths-based approaches, we aim to help clients rediscover their potential, foster resilience, and create meaningful change in their lives.. ” – Hoops 4 Health, NT (Larrakia Country)
“Our clients could quite likely have just been through the most harrowing ordeal of their lives and are now dealing with all the challenges of settling their family into a new country and dealing with everything in an unknown language. The government does provide some support to them at this stage but it can never be enough and there are issues of the stigma of having come to Australia as a refugee too. – First Hike Project
Donated goods help break down barriers to sport and rec activities
From basketballs and soccer balls, to backpacks, hats, and water bottles the awesome crew at Ultra Football and generous staff at BlueRock have collectively donated sporting items to help vulnerable people get involved in a range of activities. Having access to this type of equipment breaks down barriers to participation and builds motivation to get involved in programs that boost mental and physical health, as well as foster social connections.
CoHealth is using the hats and day bags in their new Walking Group that engages people sleeping rough in entry level exercise like walking, yoga and stretching, as well as access to wraparound services like podiatry care. Wombat Housing and Support Services are using items to support young people and families facing barriers to sports and activities.
Two key philanthropic partners have helped us launch ‘Active Futures’. We are always interested in connecting with philanthropists, trusts and foundations and companies who are looking to partner for positive impact and respond to homelessness in Australia, please reach out at partners@streetsmartaustralia.org if this sounds like you.
