Active Black Country have partnered up with the Association for Physical Education to support Sandwell MBC’s Play Service by providing 1,000 skipping ropes to vulnerable families within Sandwell.

The skipping ropes, supplied by skipping experts, Skip2Bfit, have a unique counting system on them for users to record how many skips they do. Skip2Bfit have provided all families in receipt of these skipping ropes with guidance and suggestions on how to make the most of their skipping activity.

Over the course of the summer, Active Black Country are encouraging children, young people and families to spend more time outdoors and be active, and as part of the Move 4 Summer campaign, families across Sandwell will be encouraged to use the skipping ropes as part of their daily exercise.

Ian Carey, Director of Active Black Country said: “We are delighted to be working with Sandwell MBC and afPE on this project. Prior to the lockdown, our research showed that exercising at home was something that 55.2% of Sandwell-based respondents said they would never do. However, 64.8% said they were active in the house during lockdown and skipping is something that all the family can do in the home or garden.”

Sue Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer of afPE said, “afPE is delighted that Active Black Country has taken a lead to ensure support in getting children, young people and their families active. We are all aware of the irrefutable evidence that demonstrates how important it is to be active in order to improve our physical health and emotional wellbeing.

“The current unprecedented challenges have been extremely difficult for everyone and we believe that this partnership between Active Black Country, Skip2bfit and afPE will help to encourage families to be outdoors, enjoying time together whilst being active. The skipping ropes can also be used to develop mathematical skills and Skip2bfit provide excellent challenges that are fun, creative and enjoyable as well as having positive health benefit”.

The skipping ropes have been provided as part of Sandwell MBC’s Family Packs of Play, and have been shared with a number of groups across Sandwell to be distributed to families. This includes: Bearwood Action for Refugees, Black Country Women’s Aid, Local Community Food Banks, School SENCO referrals, and via the play offer that Sandwell has across their six towns.

Samantha Harma,n Play Services Manager for Sandwell MBC, said “Play is so important for children and young people and never more so than during the Covid-19 pandemic. Sandwell Council’s Play Service, ‘Go Play Sandwell’, have been working throughout this time delivering Family Packs of Play to those children who might need them.