Local schools awarded at Health for Life celebration event.
More than 100 pupils from South Birmingham schools are jumping for joy after picking up a Health for Life award at a celebration event held in the city’s Council House.
Attended by Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Raymond Hassall; Colin Diamond, Director of Education and Dr Adrian Phillips, Director of Public Health, the ceremony saw 24 primary and six secondary schools presented with awards which celebrated the achievements they made as part of the Health for Life programme.
Funded by the Mondelēz International Foundation and delivered by the Health Education Service in partnership with Life Education Centres West Midlands, with support from The Conservation Volunteers, Health for Life in primary and secondary schools aims to achieve a sustained difference in healthy lifestyles across South Birmingham.
The World Health Organisation regards childhood obesity as one of the most serious global public health challenges for the 21st century. In Birmingham alone, one in four children are clinically obese by the time they reach the age of 11.
Dr Adrian Phillips, director of public health, said: “Well done to all the schools that have taken part in the programme. In light of the statistics, it’s so important that children are educated on the importance of being active and eating healthily now more than ever. The Health for Life programme effectively engages young people in a fun and educational way.”
Dr Sandra Passmore, education adviser at the Health Education Service, said: “We are really proud of all of the pupils who have taken part in the programme and delighted to join together to celebrate their achievements. It’s wonderful to see the difference the programme has made to schools.”
The £3.1million five year programme supports activities that engage pupils, school staff and families in growing food, healthy eating, cookery and physical activity. Schools have made wide ranging and sustainable changes including building new raised beds and polytunnels, planting fruit trees and bushes to grow fresh vegetables and fruit, redesigning playground areas in order for more children to be active during break time and running family learning workshops, some of which have included opportunities for the whole family to get involved in order to achieve Health for Life status.
Kelly Farrell, community affairs manager at Mondelēz International, added: “This event recognises the hard work of all the pupils and staff and celebrates the changes they have made in order to lead a healthier lifestyle. The Mondelēz International Foundation is proud to fund such a successful programme that continues to make a positive difference to the community.”
