Rotherham United project boosts youngsters’ health and wellbeing

Topics covered included healthy eating, exercise, anti-bullying, drugs and alcohol, smoking, CSE, road safety, body image and eating disorders.

Weekly sessions took place at Ridge Road Mosque between September and December as part of the project, which was supported by Children In Need.

Emma Slater-Clayton, RUCST health and wellbeing officer, said: “The sessions were delivered in an informal manner, allowing the young people to ask lots of questions and develop their knowledge around the subject areas. 

“Last Thursday was our celebration event for the project. We presented the young people with certificates for various achievements thoughout their time working with us.

“Their work was on display for parents to take a look at and the young people were invited to share their favourite moments and most valuable lessons from the project.”

Speakers at the celebration were the Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Eve Rose Keenan; Rotherham United chief operating officer Paul Douglas and Nizz Sabir, from Rotherham Council of Mosques.

Emma added: “We will be inviting a number of young people to join us in February half-term to take part in our health activator training, which will enable them to spread the messages they have learned to their peers.”