29, Apr, 2021

DARNEL OVERCOMES THE BARRIERS OF LOCKDOWN TO BE ANNOUNCED A PREMIERSHIP RUGBY HITZ HERO 2021

Darnel Mingle from our HITZ programme, has been named a HITZ Hero 2021 by Premiership Rugby, in recognition of his achievements despite the challenges of lockdown. 

HITZ is Premiership Rugby’s flagship education and employability programme, working with more than 2,000 14-23 year-olds across England every year. The aim of HITZ is to help young people classified as NEET (not in education, employment or training) turn their lives around through gaining qualifications and developing their personal, employability and life skills. Darnel is one of six outstanding young individuals who have been named a HITZ Hero this year. 

With the Government reporting unemployment for young people increasing by 11% since the start of the pandemic, and that by the end of last year there were an estimated 800,000 16-24yr olds in the UK classified as NEET, Premiership Rugby’s commitment to supporting and developing individuals like this has only become more steadfast.

Darnel joined the HITZ programme in January this year after being referred to the club by his local NEET reduction team. Previously he struggled with school and college and was often in trouble for his behaviour. Lockdown left him feeling low and unmotivated to do anything, further impacting Darnel’s disengagement with school. 

When Darnel first joined HITZ, his Autism made communicating and interacting with others challenging, but he has since gone from strength to strength. As he made friends on the programme his personality has shone through and his sense of humour often lifts the whole group. 

Nicole Pattison, HITZ Officer, nominated Darnel for a HITZ Hero award in recognition of the barriers he has overcome and the progress he has made.

“Darnel was a very shy young man when he joined us and with no real desire, purpose or motivation in life not knowing what to do with his life left him feeling really low. Over the last 15 weeks we have seen such a transformation, his confidence has skyrocketed. Darnel’s continued dedication to improving himself has transformed his attitude. He has grabbed every opportunity with both hands to inspire him as to what to do next. We can’t wait to see where he goes from here.”

Wayne Morris, Community and Corporate Social Responsibility Director at Premiership Rugby said,

“Darnel is only at the beginning of his HITZ journey and look how far he has come already, he should be so proud of himself. He is a shining example of how determination coupled with the right support and opportunity can go a long way to turning lives around.”

“Pausing the delivery of HITZ during lockdown was not an option for us and with the help of our partner clubs like London Irish we have continued to provide much needed support. The resilience demonstrated by our HITZ students during this time reinforces the importance of programmes like HITZ and fuels our commitment to supporting vulnerable young people.”

Supported by the CVC Foundation, Wooden Spoon and SCL Education, nearly 16,000 young people have engaged in the HITZ programme since it was created in 2008. 

Sarah Webb from Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of rugby, added, “Darnel’s transformation is inspiring and he should be very proud of what he has achieved so far. His success is exactly why Wooden Spoon supports HITZ. Every young person, no matter their background, should have the opportunity to access life changing projects to help set them on a positive path to a brighter future.”

Darnel is a shining example of how determination coupled with the right support and opportunity can go a long way to turning lives around."

SIGN UP AND KEEP UP TO DATE

We would like to keep you updated about the Foundation.

We always keep your details safe and we never pass them on to other organisations. You can change your preferences at any time by contacting us at info@londonirishfoundation.org or by calling 01932 750 100.

A copy of our Privacy Policy is available on request.

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

Mar 28

VRU Spring Programme Complete Their Team Building At Longridge Activity Centre

Read the full article
X
Share content
Copy link
Mar 27

Coming Soon, Kitround...

Read the full article
X
Share content
Copy link
Mar 14

The London Irish Foundation Secures Funding From Heathrow Community Trust

Read the full article
X
Share content
Copy link
Mar 05

Metropolitan Police Work Alongside Foundation With VRU Participants

Read the full article
X
Share content
Copy link

WHO WE WORK WITH

Pump Technology
VRU 3
HCT Logo-2
Middlesex County Rugby
TRGC
Met Police
HAF-1
Goal17
Active Surrey
Alexander Devine
Wooden Spoon
NHS
Amazon Community UK
Carbon Six Digital-1
TEG
Parallel
Rugby Football Union
Premiership Rugby
Gallagher
London Irish Foundation