Blue Cat

Blue Cat Initiative is a Community Learning Provider and OCN (Open College Network) accredited training centre. Since 2006 Blue Cat has worked with the Norfolk Learning Partnership to develop the HAVES - Homeless and Vulnerable Education Support intervention. HAVES is an educational framework designed to raise aspirations and develop skills amongst the most vulnerable members of our community.

Blue Cat was founded by Mike Clare-Smith and Frances Longman.

The HAVES project is currently funded through EEDA - Investing in Communities and supports both clients/learners and their Hostels/Organisations in undertaking relevant learning opportunities. A key feature of this provision has been the Street Life Soccer programme run in partnership with Norwich City's Football in the Community

Active participation in Street Life Soccer has offered a springboard for individuals to consider their personal, social and physical needs. It has fostered an awareness of teamwork, goal setting and independent progression. Ultimately it has led to further training opportunities, employment and social re-engagement.

Our work within the sector and development of the Street Life Soccer programme has enabled us to identify the benefits that health awareness and physical activity can have on the hardest to reach members of society. This has been apparent not only in the improvement of general health and wellbeing of participants, but in the impact involvement has had on the motivation and aspirations of these groups.

Meet the HAVES team

Mike Smith Clare

 

Frances Longman