Do young people actually want to have *that* conversation? How can we become more comfortable talking about sexual relationships? How should academia influence practice and vice versa? In the first of SOHK's accessible research series, Kate Thomson discusses why we should talk about sex more, especially with young people. She also reflects on her experience of mixing academic research with applied practice and shares some tips on how to incorporate evidence-based practice into any workplace. Read more
Cycling up a steep hill is a lot easier when there's an incredible view to enjoy at the top. We've come up with a selection of beautiful places to train for LEJOG across the UK to make those early-morning rides all the more worth it. Read more
We are living in the golden age of podcasts. Podcasts are perfect to listen to whilst taking a long walk, cooking or doing daily chores but with so much out there it's difficult to know where to start. No fear - School of Hard Knocks has got you covered. We've created a list of our favourite sports-based (mainly rugby!) podcasts for you to enjoy. Have a scroll, then plug in and chill out. Read more
We’ve curated a short list of inspiring and thought-provoking sports-based documentaries - and School of Hard Knocks would know all about that having started as one! So, have a gander and stick something other than The Confession Tapes on the tele. Read more
You might have heard us throw around the term ‘growth mindset’ a fair bit on our social media platforms, so we thought we’d share a little bit more on what it is and why it’s one of School of Hard Knocks’ most important guiding principles. Read more
Controlling the Controllable is one of SOHK’s guiding principles. Life presents us with a mixture of elements that are outside and within our control. It is always more energy-efficient and rewarding to focus on those elements within our control. Read more
Earlier this month School of Hard Knocks held its first ever online auction. We had some incredible lots on offer such as an hour with rugby legend Sam Warburton and our most popular auction item - a signed Finn Russell shirt. Thanks to your support we are thrilled to announce that SOHK's Summer Auction has raised a grand total of £20,000! These funds will go towards empowering individuals facing social inequality and ensuring that no child or adult is ever left behind. Read more
School of Hard Knocks is excited to be working with The Welsh Rugby Union to help individuals find a renewed sense of purpose and employment with our online, high-impact Back in the Game Course. Read more
In Partnership with Cloud Digital, Positive Transformation and Mrs Whelan’s soaps School of Hard Knocks have been donated 500 artisan soaps Read more
We're excited to announce that from Wednesday 26th August to Friday 4th September School of Hard Knocks will be holding its first ever online auction! We are aiming to raise a total of £30,000 from our online Summer Auction, to ensure that we are able to reach and support children and adults for many more years to come. Read more
Just over under a month ago we officially launched our new partnership with consulting firm Moorhouse. Read more
As a direct response to those who have lost their jobs as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, School of Hard Knocks have created a shortened, online and high impact version of our standard eight week course. Read more
School of Hard Knocks exists to empower and support individuals facing social inequality, and we need to do that in every aspect of our work. It is our job to step up and dismantle unjust systems that have pervaded our society for years. We have made a commitment to continue with and deepen the conversations we are currently having internally, and actively look for ways to turn talk into action. Read more
I’m writing to you today because we urgently need your help.The lockdown, caused by the Coronavirus, has hit School of Hard Knocks pretty hard and has placed real strain on our resources and finances. I’m not saying we’ve been knocked down; let’s call it a pretty hefty blow! But if there is ever a time we have to practice what we preach, it is now. Why? Because I honestly believe that the need for our work in the UK will soon be greater, by some distance, than at any other time in our existence. Read more
This week is Nutrition and Hydration Week, so we thought we’d share some of work we do around nutrition in schools. Nutrition is a huge part of the personal development sessions we deliver within schools. Getting your nutrition right not only helps with physical health but also significantly contributes to one’s mental health, better preparing young people to succeed in school. We deliver a three-week block around this important topic in our Schools Programme. Read more
This International Women’s Day, School of Hard Knocks wants to get as many girls and women talking about their achievements as possible - and that includes YOU! We want you to take to Twitter and Instagram and post about what you are proud of using the hashtag #IAmProud. We’ll be sharing what some our own staff and participants are proud of, so keep your eyes peeled and don’t forget to tag us (@sohkcharity) into your own posts! Read more
We are delighted to announce that Comic Relief will be funding School of Hard Knocks’ Reaching Your Potential project for three years. Read more
School of Hard Knocks’ Scottish team joined Dunfermline RFC for their annual Burns Supper gathering to raise life-changing funds for both SOHK and the rugby club. School of Hard Knocks is so grateful to have such dedicated and generous supporters who share our belief that everyone should be given the opportunity to realise and fulfil their potential. The funds raised from the Burns Night Dinner will go towards empowering more children. Read more
We are thrilled to announce that School of Hard Knocks has officially broken the Guinness World Record for the longest ever of rugby union! Read more
Last week we held our second ever SOHK Awards ceremony at our offices in London. The SOHK Awards were created as a way to celebrate our participants’ development. Read more
At School of Hard Knocks we work hard to teach our young people about the impact of words and actions on other people. part of National Anti-Bullying Week, this week in Scotland we are delivering sessions designed to encourage young people to reflect on the impact of the words and actions they direct towards others. Read more
School of Hard Knocks is running a five-week course using rugby, boxing and mentoring to help unemployed adults to improve their confidence and wellbeing, and ultimately help them gain a career within the hospitality industry. Read more
Last week we welcomed 15 women and 26 men to the School of Hard Knocks family in Wales. Read more
SOHK exists to give people back their power by delivering impactful mentoring sessions and harnessing the values of high impact sport. We often work with people in areas of high deprivation who face significant barriers to leading healthy lives and gaining employment. We address the external issues participants face that perpetuate social exclusion and provide a holistic programme with substantial support on nutrition, financial capability, help with substance abuse and mental wellbeing. Read more