Icehearts: Sport-based early support program for children at risk

Abstract

Icehearts program aims to prevent social exclusion, to promote socio-emotional skills and mental well-being and to provide a secure, long-term adult commitment throughout the child's life using team sport as a tool. The program is facilitated by an Icehearts-mentor providing sports activities as well as support at school and home for a period of 12 years starting at age of 7. Currently, the program is reaching about 500 children in 29 Icehearts teams in Finland. The longitudinal study aims at investigating: (1) the psychosocial well-being and (2) the life course of participating children as well as perceived impact, benefits and challenges of the program. The baseline data was gathered in 2015–2016 by questionnaires and interviews among 7 years old program participants (n = 46) and controls at same age not participating in the program (n = 180), their parents, and teachers. The measures included i.e the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). According to the SDQ-scores assessed by the teachers, two of third among program participants had behavioural difficulties. One-fourth had used mental health services. The parents of program participants reported need for more support for their parenting. The results showed that the Icehearts program is reaching out a target group in need for help and support. Further, the study provides valuable information about the role of a NGO organisation offering long-term and intensive support with the help of sport-based intervention program targeted at vulnerable children. In the presentation, the program, study design and the baseline results are presented in more detail.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.