The Big Active

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;

Body – Physical challenges that take care of your body
Mind – Mindfulness exercises that look after your mental health; and
Heart – Activities that promote the importance of charity and helping others

Barnardos Big Active, supported by ALDI, promotes the positive activity of fundraising and participating students will help to raise money to transform the lives of the 20,838 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.

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The best thing for me about this campaign is that it 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

What's involved

Big Active Body

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.

Big Active Mind

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.

Big Active 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.

How your support transforms lives

Big Active - Did You Know

Barnardos works with children from 0 - 18 years of age in a lot of different ways. Download your own informational poster to see how you are helping and share with your class.

Our Services

We work directly with children and families in our 54 service locations across the country.

Jacinta

Jacinta is a single Mammy, whose partner John died tragically a few years ago. Read how your support will make a massive difference to families like Jacinta's.

Get in touch

If you have any questions or you have any feedback or suggestions on how Barnardos Big Active can further support you and your students, please don’t hesitate to reach out at [email protected].