About Us
Our Mission
AIR Network have over two decades of experience specialising in engaging and supporting society’s most vulnerable, excluded and at risk individuals. We work with people who are ex-offenders, face addiction, have mental health issues or who are homeless. We provide free support and a wide range of experiences and activities to promote recovery, reduction in reoffending and achievement of sustained positive destinations.
Many of our staff have faced the same issues that our clients have, it is this insight, experience and empathy which enables us to provide services which are realistic, reflective of client needs and relevant.
We know that changing lives isn’t just about tackling addiction or offending behaviour or getting a job, it’s about building the skills, experiences, support networks, resilience and coping mechanisms to achieve and sustain these changes long term.
Our mission is to provide a platform for change for the hardest to reach, disadvantaged and vulnerable individuals to improve their enjoyment and quality of life, fulfil their potential and play a positive role in their communities.
Why We Exist
We exist to empower individuals to fulfil their potential, achieve long term positive change and play a meaningful/productive role in their communities.
What We Do
AIR Network supports society’s most vulnerable, excluded and at risk individuals. We work with people who are ex-offenders, face addiction, have mental health issues or who are homeless. We deliver an intensive mentoring based activity service to reduce reoffending, support recovery and achievement of sustained positive destinations.
90% of service users achieved an outcome linked to their support plan
90% of service users achieved an outcome linked to their support plan
84% of service users reported improved mental health
84% of service users reported improved mental health
96% of service users reported improved fitness
96% of service users reported improved fitness
Our Impact At A Glance
88% of service users reported a reduction in offending
88% of service users reported a reduction in offending
In 2007 Colm Whitty founded AIR Sports Network after witnessing the impact of how sport can motivate and inspire the most disadvantaged in society to improve the quality and enjoyment of life. Colm understood the impacts of social inequalities, in particular the damage caused to people’s lives. Recognising that improved health and wellbeing had the potential to develop and improve many aspects of people’s lives Colm set about creating what would become the innovative and highly successful AIR Network development programmes.
Colm had been a professional footballer and was also an experienced UEFA licensed coach, having played and coached in numerous countries at both senior and youth level. In addition, Colm was a committed entrepreneur and was particularly passionate about initiatives that tackled crime, reduced reoffending and substance misuse using the medium of physical activity, mentoring and individual development.
Our Founder
“Our inspiration is the life changes we see every day, we believe that everyone deserves a second chance and will always encourage and support the goals, ambition and abilities of the individuals we work with.”
— COLM WHITTY, FOUNDER