North Lanarkshire Council – Active and Creative Communities has launched a new Junior Active Health Programme. This new referral-based programme is for children aged 11 years and under who would benefit from additional support to become more physically active.
Junior Active Health is designed for children who may face barriers to taking part in mainstream physical activity or sport due to their health, wellbeing or developmental needs.
Children may benefit from attending if they are:
- Inactive or spend long periods being sedentary
- Experiencing overweight or obesity
- Living with a long-term health condition
- Have additional support needs
- Experiencing low confidence or difficulty engaging in physical activity
- Experiencing anxiety or social isolation that may affect participation in activity
Find the referral form on the Child and Young Person Healthy Weight FirstPort page.
What will the programme offer?
Children will take part in safe, inclusive and age-appropriate physical activity sessions, delivered by trained staff. Sessions will focus on:
- Fun and enjoyment
- Building confidence
- Developing movement skills and coordination
- Encouraging regular physical activity
- Supporting positive physical and mental wellbeing
Support may be provided through small group or individualised sessions, depending on the child’s needs. Activities and progression will be tailored to help each child build confidence and develop a positive relationship with physical activity.
Who can refer?
Referrals will be accepted from professionals working with children and families, including:
- GPs and other health professionals
- School nurses and allied health professionals
- Schools and education settings
- Additional Support Needs (ASN) services
- Family support and community services
David Kennedy, Unit Health Improvement Team Leader, NHS Lanarkshire, said: “Being physically active can play an important role in supporting a child’s physical health, mental wellbeing and confidence. However, we know that some children face barriers to taking part in mainstream activities or sports.
“We would encourage NHS Lanarkshire staff to refer children who they feel would benefit from this additional support. This programme will support children to build their confidence, develop their movement skills and enjoy being physically active.”
Melanie Menzies, Health & Wellbeing Manager, North Lanarkshire Council – Active and Creative Communities, commented: “The Junior Active Health Programme will provide a supportive and inclusive environment where children can have fun being active.
“By working closely with health, education and community professionals through the referral pathway, we hope to ensure children who would benefit most can access the right support at the right time and develop positive relationships with physical activity that can continue into later life.”
The programme will work alongside existing children’s services and provide onward pathways into appropriate North Lanarkshire Council Sports Development activities or local sports clubs, where suitable.
