What is it?  

Jump Start is a programme for young people aged 8-18 in Somerset that uses sport and physical activity to help them engage in positive experiences and personal development. It supports emotional wellbeing and general welfare by helping young people feel cared for, understood, and supported. 

Through trusted relationships and meaningful activities, Jump Start aims to build confidence, self-esteem, life skills, and autonomy, enabling young people to develop a positive, pro-social identity. The programme encourages young people to feel valued, make positive choices, and aspire to a hopeful and positive future. 

Who's it for and where? 

1. Jump Start Mentors - Mentors begin by working one-to-one with young people to build trust and confidence, before supporting them to transition into activities alongside a trained volunteer within their chosen sports club, helping them feel included, supported, and settled in a positive environment. 
2. Jump Start Clubs – For 8 – 14-year-olds in Taunton, Bridgwater, Highbridge, Yeovil, Chard and Crewkerne. Supporting young people who may face challenges such as chaotic home lives, difficulties in school, or involvement with the police. The programme provides weekly activity sessions in a safe, supportive environment where young people help shape how the club is run, learn about the impact of their behaviour, and develop life skills to better manage everyday challenges.  
3. Jump Start Leadership – For 14 – 18 years olds. Supporting young people by offering volunteering opportunities within Jump Start Clubs or similar settings. The programme helps participants gain hands-on experience in leading activities and understanding how sports clubs operate. In partnership with Bridgwater and Taunton College we provide those Jump Start Leaders who would like an opportunity to gain a qualification, a 1st4Sport Level 1 Award for Activators (Multiskills). 

How to nominate 

To nominate a young person for either our 1:1 Mentor Programme or Jump Start Clubs or Leadership programme please complete our nomination form. 

We are currently only accepting '1:1 Mentoring' nominations that we receive from partners who fund our project. If you place a nomination for 1:1 mentoring and it is not through one of our funded partners this nomination will not go any further. We review nominations on a fortnightly basis. A member of the team will be in touch within 4 weeks to confirm your nomination and what action we feel is best moving forward, as well as to gather any additional information from you. If you would like further information about funding capacity for us to work with young people please get in touch with the team. 

Please note that we are still accepting nominations for our 'Jump Start Clubs' as normal and funding is not required for young people to engage in this - please fill out the form as normal and when selecting the programme please select 'Jump Start Clubs'. 

Before you submit the nomination, please read the following; 

• The young person needs to have an interest in sport and being active. 
• The young person you are nominating is in agreement of the nomination. 
• The eventual aim of our 1-2-1-mentor programme is to support them into a community sports club/active group so if they are already in one of these settings we would advise not to put a nomination in. 
• We don't provide transport for the young people to get to our Jump Start clubs or the community clubs so they will need to have their own support with this or be able to walk/cycle if appropriate.