Volunteers recently helped rejuvenate a garden for pupils at Broadmeadow Junior School in Kings Norton.

Volunteers from Mondeléz International at Broadmeadow Junior School

The team of seven volunteers worked to develop a vegetable patch, weeded overgrown areas and created a compost pile; all as part of a continuing effort to help the school achieve Health for Life status.   Aimed at achieving a sustained difference in healthy lifestyles, Health for Life is a five year programme which supports fun activities that engage people in growing food, healthy eating and cookery and physical activity.

The programme is running across South Birmingham in  primary schools, secondary schools and the wider community. Working in partnership, the programme is funded by the Mondeléz International foundation, and delivered by Birmingham Health Education Services, working with Life Education Centres West Midlands, and The Conservation Volunteers.

Paul Jones, shift manager at Mondeléz International, said: “The team worked really well together and there was a real sense of achievement at the end of the day. It was great to hear the children’s positive comments and we were more than happy to receive a never-ending supply of tea and biscuits.

“The Health for Life programme is extremely important because it doesn’t only help children to be healthy; it encourages schools to develop their own long term plans that involve staff, pupils and families. We just lend a helping hand when needed.”

Ann Lowe, teacher at Broadmeadow Junior School, added: “We’re extremely grateful to all of the volunteers who gave up their time to come and create this space for us. Leading a healthy lifestyle is extremely important, especially for young people, and so we’re committed to doing all we can in order to achieve the Health for Life award.”

An initial cohort of 15 primary schools from across South Birmingham was awarded Health for Life status at a ceremony held at the city’s Council House this January.