A community interest company founded by University of Staffordshire alumni through the University’s Be-Inspired project is helping to improve the health and wellbeing of disadvantaged young people in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.

IN2Health and Wellbeing was co-founded in 2021 by Ben Gibson, who graduated in Sports Development and Coaching in 2008.

Ben now runs the CIC alongside three fellow directors.

A group of around 20 freelancers and volunteers use sport, physical activity and mentoring to improve the lives of six to 18-year-olds.

Sessions such as holidays clubs, growth clubs, employability skills, mindfulness and nutrition classes aim to improve the physical and mental health of children and young people.

The project is delivered in locations including Guerrilla Training and The Yard in Meir, which IN2Health and Wellbeing recently took over and has helped to restore.

IN2Health and Wellbeing has been nominated in the Business in the Community category of the University of Staffordshire Business Awards.

Ben said: “I feel quite proud and surprised that we’ve been nominated for an award. It’s good to be recognised but it obviously isn’t why we do what we do. We’ve worked hard to build what we do.”

Tomasz Putynkowski, who nominated IN2Health and Wellbeing for the award, said: “I am honoured to nominate IN2Health and Wellbeing CIC for the Business in the Community Award. As a social enterprise committed to improving the health and wellbeing of disadvantaged young people in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, IN2Health and Wellbeing has made a significant positive impact on the community.

“Through sport, physical activity, mentoring and education, the organisation engages and empowers young people, helping them to become the best versions of themselves.”