Solidarity Sports:
Timothy and Tamar’s Story
Solidarity Sports is a children’s charity based in West London that provides person-centred care to disadvantaged children and young people aged 5-17, living with and recovering from complex trauma. The charity works closely with Social Services and Hestia - a women’s refuge centre reaching 240 vulnerable children and their families annually.
Through long-time supporter and ambassador Sally Strahan, The Hurlingham Club Foundation was introduced to Solidarity Sports and the children and families they suppor t. The Foundation offered two swimming sessions that were not currently taken up by members, and Solidarity Sports reached out to two families in crisis who would benefit from the opportunity.
Four years ago, Timothy and Tamar lived in a one-room B&B accommodation. Their mother, Olu, was left destitute by her partner to care for the two children. With no family support in the country, Olu lived at the mercy of other people and struggled to make ends meet. For a long time, she had no access to public funds and was suppor ted by Children’s Services; unable to meet her children’s basic needs.
Timothy and Tamar were greatly impacted by their chaotic living situation. They struggled with self-esteem, focusing at school and had difficulty making friends. Through support from Solidarity Sports, Olu was able to make an application to the Home Office regarding her immigration status, and the children attended school holiday projects where they could par ticipate in exciting activities and make friends. They have been attending swimming lessons at the Club for over a year now.
“At first Tamar was afraid to put her face in the water. The instructors are very hands on. They built her confidence and she can now go under water and looks forward to the sessions.”
Timothy, who is naturally a very confident and gregarious young man, took to the lessons like a duck to water and has since thrived. Tamar, a naturally shy and pensive young lady, was less confident than her brother and needed a lot of encouragement and support to acclimate to the water. A year on, she has gained confidence and skills, and now looks forward to the lessons.
“The children are also thriving; Tamar is excelling at school… Timothy is a rising star, last summer he joined the cast of Macbeth at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre!”
Today, the family is doing well and that is par tly due to the support that they have received from both Solidarity Sports and The Hurlingham Club Foundation. The family no longer lives in temporary accommodation and Olu works as a nurse. The children are also thriving; Tamar is excelling at school, has many friends and enjoys swimming and art. Timothy is a rising star, last summer he starred in Macbeth at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. He attends Stagecoach Performing Arts and currently wants to be a theatre actor when he’s older.
