Changing attitudes and lives
Inspired by the tragic death of 17 year old Anthony Walker, Changing Ends is a new initiative designed to tackle racism. This partnership between Toxteth Tigers, Everton Football Club and Kick it Out brings together children from different areas of Merseyside to participate in sport and arts activities that encourage racial harmony and discourage antisocial behaviour. It is also the principal project of the Toxteth Tiger’s Van Gaffney – the Events and Diversity Manager that the Foundation’s grant helped to fund.
Breaking down the barriers
Each month around 1,600 young people – 60% black and minority ethnic and 40% female – take part in the Tiger’s many different activities. Changing Ends twins schools from predominantly black areas with schools from mainly white areas. Each school selects a group of boys and girls and over a six week period pupils are bussed to each other’s schools for their sessions – which include Q & A sessions about each others’ cultures, football coaching and good citizenship lessons.
In the short term these sessions will give participants a sense of belonging, support and loyalty. And in the longer term they will begin to see participating in multicultural events and activities as just a normal part of their lives.
Building for the future
”Local schools are literally biting our hands off to participate. But ultimately we hope that Changing Ends is the spark that sets off similar projects throughout the country – that’s something to really aim for.”
(John Hollis-Davies, Coordinator)
Want to find out more? Visit: www.toxtethtigers.com
