A blend of Basketball Coaching and Wellbeing Education, combining physical activity with evidence-based wellbeing sessions. Developed with CWW Mind, our programmes help young people build confidence, resilience, and emotional wellbeing through weekly group or one-toone sessions. Using real-life stories from professional athletes and interactive activities, we create safe spaces for young people to explore challenges, reflect, and develop positive strategies for life:
• Wellbeing and foundational ‘belonging’ curriculum: “Becoming a Guardian Baller”
(12 weeks)
• Where the learner has a baseline wellbeing, AQA Unit Awards in Entrepreneurship,
AI and Online Safety or Healthy Living (12-24 weeks per module)
• “LEVEL UP” programme: This is aimed at progressing an individuals’ confidence and leadership characteristics, encouraging personal development and aspiring to reach their potential.
• EmbRACE programme: This has recently been developed in collaboration with Tiana Holgate, EDI Consultant, and addresses the trauma of racial discrimination.
Additional enrichment for any programmes:
• BETTER experiences and trips can be interwoven into any programme.
Please contact us for a discussion if you are unsure which programme would best suit the individual that you wish to refer, and whether they would benefit from attending a group or 1:1 session.
Awarding Body
AQA for Unit Awards (only where student attends 12+ weeks)
Student Expected Outcomes
• Improved Wellbeing | Students’ opinions are routinely gathered using the WEMWBS, which is a self-reporting measure of mental wellbeing; 82% reported improvements in their wellbeing, and 67% reported they were more engaged in their education or work.
• Enriching Activities, beyond the classroom | BETTER experiences, within walking distance and further across the city and region through EVOLVE-approved trips.
• Accredited qualifications | AQA Entry, Level 1 and 2 Unit Awards can be achieved where Guardian Ballers, School, Learner and Family are motivated and the learner has a foundational state of wellbeing to support enhanced learning.
Key Stage course delivered to
KS2 (years 5 and 6) ;KS3;KS4;KS5
Admissions Criteria
These sessions would best suit individuals who might have sensory preferences and would be unable to cope with a group set-up, or who require bespoke sessions to allow them space to explore their emotional and wellbeing needs.
Staff Experience
Guardian Ballers is led by Kieran Joseph BSc MEd, a qualified secondary PE teacher whose lived experience of supporting a family member with mental illness inspired the programme. Chloe Burdett BSc, Operations & Programmes Manager, brings expertise in project management, basketball coaching, mentoring and mental health support. Our multidisciplinary team also includes Awa Touray (BA), Camron Hibbert (BSc), Dr Helen Joseph (BSc) and Bose Olajide (MA), combining experience across education, youth work, coaching, mental health, speech and language therapy, programme delivery and operations to provide high-quality support for young people.
Delivery Area
Small Hall with Basketball Hoop and using digital and other sports equipment, as required
These will comprise of weekly hour-long sessions, or a lesser number of morning/afternoon sessions (to be agreed through discussion). Please contact us for a discussion if you are unsure whether the individual you wish to refer would benefit from attending a group or 1:1 session (see “group” listing for Guardian Ballers).
