• Packs include a skipping rope, frisbee and plastic tennis rackets.
• Funded by the Council’s leisure provider, GLL.
• Plans support ambition to help all Newham residents get and stay active.
Newham Council is distributing physical activity packs, aimed at helping some of the borough’s most disadvantaged children get and stay active. The packs have been produced in partnership with the local authority’s leisure provider, GLL, which is funding the items. The packs include a skipping rope, frisbee, two plastic tennis rackets, a sponge ball, four cones and leaflets, providing additional information and support. Both the local authority and the not-for-profit social enterprise believe the packs will allow children to access a range of sports, activities and games, ensuring they have the tools available to keep fit and improve their wellbeing, while also having fun.
The plans support Newham Council’s 50 Steps to a Healthier Newham (2024-2027) strategy, aimed at improving the health of all Newham residents, while also reducing health inequalities. The packs will be distributed via the Newham Food Alliance and Welcome Newham during the October half-term.
Councillor Neil Wilson, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care and Councillor Sarah Ruiz, Cabinet Lead for Children and Young People Services said: “We are pleased children in Newham will be given free resources to improve their health and wellbeing, and to also have fun. The physical activity packs will be handed to boys and girls who are most in need during the half-term, which can often be a difficult time for families on low incomes.
“We hope they will prove to be beneficial beyond the half-term week, with the resources being used all year round. The range of activities provided will hopefully encourage them to get involved in a range of sports, giving them the access, confidence and inspiration they deserve.
“Improving the health of our residents is a key priority of our ‘50 Steps to a Healthier Newham (2024-2027) strategy. The packs support our efforts and we hope it will encourage the next generation to keep active and appreciate the benefits of putting your health first.”
The physical activity packs are also evidence of GLL’s core values, particularly the organisation’s commitment to having a positive impact on communities, while also tackling health inequalities.
GLL's Newham Partnership Manager Paul Whiteman said:
"GLL is a charitable social enterprise that exists to activate local communities and in doing so, enhance health and wellbeing.
"We are delighted to add this latest initiative to our community programme delivered in partnership with Newham Council by providing free sports equipment for Newham's youngsters to play together, get active and have fun this half term - and beyond."
The local authority and GLL began their 10-year partnership in April 2024, with the shared vision of increasing physical activity levels and improving the customer experience for residents.
The UK Chief Medical Officer advises that children and young people aged 5 to 18 years old should aim for an average of at least 60 minutes of moderate or vigorous intensity physical activity a day, across the week. It also states children should be taking part in a variety of types and intensities of physical activity, to develop movement skills, muscles and bones. Some of the examples of activities recommended include skipping, taking part in sports, like tennis, and catching – activities all made possible with the physical activity packs.
For more information about the activities and facilities available at Newham’s leisure centres, and within the community, visit www.better.org.uk/better-newham.
For further resources and support to help you keep active, including details of our leisure offer, visit www.wellnewham.org.uk/advice/keeping-active.
