Barnardos Big Active, supported by ALDI, is an exciting initiative to help students of all ages and abilities focus on their own health and wellbeing, all while helping others.
It takes a holistic approach to supporting students’ wellbeing and promotes three different kinds of activities we call;
Barnardos Big Active promotes the positive activity of fundraising and participating students will help to raise money to transform the lives of the 16,800 vulnerable children and families Barnardos work with. These are families affected by traumatic life events such as poverty, abuse, neglect, separation, bereavement and mental health challenges.
This is a challenge that turns fundraising on its head and is a great way to get active and feel good while raising funds for Barnardos.
The best thing for me about this campaign is that is gives children the opportunity to take part in activities that will benefit them in a holistic way.
- Paul O’Connell, Barnardos Big Active & ALDI Ambassador
The Body activities will get students active! Schools will take part in a month long physical challenge over what we’re calling the ‘Big Active Month’. This physical challenge, which encourages children to develop and strengthen their body and self-confidence, can take place wherever and whenever suits. You can dance, run, doing Jumping Jacks or a million steps in a month! We recommend your Big Active month takes place before you break for the summer holidays.
The mind activities include breathing activities that provide students with an opportunity to focus on the body and connect with the present, and muscle relaxation activities to help students release tension from their bodies to increase their sense of calmness. Every student that takes part will receive a personal journal designed to give them time to reflect on their feelings and explore the connection between their mind, body and heart.
The heart activities focus on giving back and students will raise funds to support Barnardos’ work with vulnerable children by collecting sponsorship for their month long physical challenge. This is a wonderful way to introduce students to the positive activity of fundraising and for them to become more informed about charitable giving.
