The People Project
Instigated in September 2022 by the late Mr David Laing (L-L Ret’d) and launched in January 2023, the project tackles the causes of crime, substance use and mental illness in high deprivation areas by focusing on the impacts of trauma, poverty and inequality.
The project harnesses a cross sector and multi disciplinary partnership of hyper local members working with and for the community. The first pilot is in Queensway, Kingsway and Hemmingwell communities in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire.
People Project Wellingborough has co produced a 15 year Strategy and Action Plan led by a working group drawn directly from the wider partnership and based on consultation with hundreds of residents. Initial approved activities include adding value to existing effective services, filling identified needs and gaps with innovation, communicating the offer to all, and continuing consultation activities documented in the Voices Report.
The project has demonstrated the value of an innovative Whole Health Football model in partnership with University of Northampton. The model integrates trauma and attachment focused activities within traditional football coaching sessions.
Outcomes included:
70% of participants reported wellbeing improvement and reduced psychological distress
58% showed statistically reliable wellbeing increases
Average YP Core participant scores reduced by 50.4%, indicating significant trauma impact reduction
Whole Health Football has proven viable and effective for physical and psychological wellbeing, reducing trauma impacts. Participants include young people diverted from criminal justice. The model should be replicated and scaled across other sports and activities, which we are now exploring.
In 2025, The People Project Partnership agreed to incorporate the One Punch Campaign into the strategy. One Punch Hull and East Yorkshire has succeeded with its Stop Think Walk Away Campaign, educating communities about the devastating impacts of one punch and split second violent decisions.