Staying active

Staying Active

Being active isn't just about feeling stronger, fitter, more energetic and sleeping better. It's also about having fun! Kids need to be active for at least 60 minutes a day, with 30 minutes of this outside of school. This should include 3 sessions a week of activity that strengthens muscles and bones, so mix it up! 

 

And it's not just physically that kids benefit – being active also helps with mental health. Evidence shows that children and young people who are more active have more confidence, higher self-esteem, less anxiety and stress, and better social skills – attributes that can help them deal with the challenges they face in daily life.

 

Having a positive attitude towards physical activity has also been associated with children being happier. Keep scrolling for some links to great resources for staying active.

 

• SEND Birmingham has a lot of good information.
• NHS Better Health, Healthier Families: here’s a page from the NHS on being active to stay healthy.
• Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS Trust: learning to ride a bike: a helpful leaflet on learning to ride a bike.

 

Here is a video we’ve put together of exercises that strengthen some of the bigger muscles:

Inclusive sports and activities

Staying active can be harder with mobility problems, but it’s even more important. Here are some ideas and local resources.

Cycling	Parkride is the West Midlands regions leading adapted cycling scheme offering free or low cost access to a fleet of inclusive bikes and trikes allowing you to cycle in safe spaces with expert tuition and support. Solihull Wheels for All promote inclusive community participation in healthy recreation through cycling for the benefit of those living or working within Solihull and surrounding areas.
Dance	Freewheelin Dance: Freewheelin is a Birmingham based inclusive dance company that runs weekly classes which are open to all: any age, ability and experience.
Frame football groups	Solihull Moors Football Club: open to Children who have Cerebral Palsy, Motor problems or learning difficulties.
Swimming	Level Water is a national scheme offering 1-to-1 swimming sessions for children from 4 to 11 years old with a disability across the UK.
Wheelchair Basketball	Warwickshire Bears: have a junior practice on Saturdays in Birmingham
Free activities	Geocaching: thinking outside the box. Walking is a free activity but often Children get bored quickly which can turn a lovely walk into a chore. Why not try Geocaching as this is a fun activity and an international treasure hunt.