Opening School Facilities case study: Ash Green Community Primary School

The 'Mind Body Boost' project delivered in partnership with Ash Green Primary and Positive Impact Sport has provided a range of opportunities after school and on an evening to the wider community of Mixenden.

Sessions were free and accessible to all, removing cost and childcare barriers. Community sessions incorporated a range of activities asked for by local people and pupils including: girls Football, kids boxing, family fitness and wellbeing sessions.

Non-traditional sports specifically attracted the target audience and each session embraced a ‘turn up and play’ approach to welcome less active young people and adults into a relaxed and friendly environment. The providers also incorporated cooking activities into their plans using a range of alternative funding from the school which, paired with wider physical activity sessions, engaged a wider range of participants.

The impact of this project on individuals has been very beneficial for many participants in different ways such individuals gaining more confidence, weight loss, reduced screen time and enhancing family time while becoming healthier. There has been such positive feedback from the community with one parent saying:  

“I feel this project has been amazing for my boy’s confidence. They can't usually attend classes due to cost, but this has been inclusive to all."

Other outcomes highlighted from participant feedback surveys included the impact on social cohesion and families mixing together; improved physical and mental health of children and adults; building stronger connections between residents and the school; and even contributing to reducing crime rates by offering positive diversionary activities, particularly for young people.