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An initiative supported by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is getting schoolchildren out for a walk every day, helping improve their health and wellbeing.
The Daily Mile is a free and simple initiative that encourages children to run, jog, walk or wheel for 15 minutes each day during school hours. Taking place outdoors and alongside friends the walk supports the physical, social, emotional and mental health and wellbeing of children, regardless of age, ability or personal circumstances.
The initiative is delivered in partnership with the Public Health Agency and the Southern Health and Social Care Trust. The Council is committed to expanding the reach of this initiative across the district, promoting daily physical activity as a fun and accessible part of school life.
Local delivery is being led by the Council’s Health Inequalities Officer, Alannah Brennan, who is working to ensure that all primary school children in the district have the opportunity to participate. In a new phase of the programme, efforts are now underway to extend The Daily Mile to Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) settings, helping children develop healthy habits from their earliest years.
The initiative is built on four core principles - fun, friendship, fresh air and freedom which align with the ethos of early years education. Children who take part in The Daily Mile benefit from improved mood and reduced anxiety, better focus and concentration, enhanced motor skills and physical fitness and greater social interaction.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Philip Campbell, welcomed the initiative saying, “The Daily Mile reflects Council’s ongoing commitment to improving health and wellbeing across all communities in partnership with Southern Health and Social Care Trust and Public Health Agency. By introducing this initiative in both primary schools and early years settings, we are supporting children to build positive, lifelong habits. I commend the work of our partners and encourage all schools and nurseries to embrace this simple but impactful activity.”
Southern Health and Social Care Trust’s Physical Activity Lead, Clare Drummy said, “The early years are a pivotal time for children to learn and adopt healthy behaviours. The Daily Mile introduces children to the joy of movement, whether walking, wheeling or jogging. It has huge benefits for social, emotional and mental wellbeing and its great fun too. I would encourage all nurseries to get involved in The Daily Mile, it’s so easy to add to daily routines.”
Ashgrove Nursery School Newry recently joined the initiative and Principal Seona Hamill said, “Both children and staff are thoroughly enjoying being part of such a fantastic scheme. The children especially love keeping track of their steps and the daily walk helps them feel refreshed and ready for learning.”
