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The wider agenda
What were our objectives?
Somerset Sports Partnership wanted to target traditionally non-active people who may not necessarily have been reached through sports development programmes. DASH—Do Activity Stay Healthy—is one of the ways the partnership could make a difference to children in school and their families.
What did we do?
Following a successful pilot at Dunster First School, DASH was rolled out to three schools in Somerset – St Michaels First, Minehead Middle and Wiveliscombe. Around 60 children, along with their parents, were targeted across the schools to participate in activity two to three times per week, as well as committing to healthy eating sessions.
What were the results?
Evaluation of the initial pilot at Dunster First has shown significant weight reduction in children attending, improved fitness levels, sustained lifestyle changes for the whole family and improved self-esteem for the children attending.
“We’ve been delighted with the success of the DASH project and the impact it has had on encouraging the children involved, and their families, to adopt healthy lifestyles," says Peter Hoyland. "The past year has seen the club become an integral part of school life in which for three mornings a week children, parents and staff meet before school to take part in a variety of fitness activities.”
But it is the feedback from children involved in DASH that says the most about the programme. “I love the walks. It’s great to walk with your mates and have fun before school. The swimming is also brilliant and really wakes me up.” “My mum finds it a bit hard to get up in the morning but I love it and I want DASH to be every day please.” |
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