A transformative wellbeing and fitness programme has empowered 555 girls across Barking and Dagenham, thanks to funding from the newly established Park Charitable Trust for Girls.
Delivered by the B&D School Sports Partnership, the Wellbeing and Fitness programme ran from May to July, engaging 555 girls aged 10 -16 in a series of dynamic sessions focused on physical activity, emotional wellbeing, and personal development.
The programme was designed to address the unique challenges girls face in accessing fitness and wellbeing support, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds. Activities included dance, yoga, martial arts, boxing, healthy eating workshops, creative arts and confidence-building exercises.
Key outcomes:
- 92% of participants attended more than one session
- 68% had never taken part in extracurricular wellbeing or fitness activities before
- +35% increase in confidence participating in group activities
- +34% increase in regular physical activity
- +29% increase in self-reported happiness
The initiative also had a ripple effect across the wider community, reaching an estimated 500 families, 50 educators, and influencing over 1,500 classmates through peer engagement.
Park Charitable Trust for Girls also helped the council fund a special Outdoor Education Day at Stubbers Adventure Centre in Upminster, where 21 girls from Eastbrook Secondary School and Robert Clack School came together for a day of adventure and personal growth. The event included raft building and paddleboarding, with activities designed to challenge comfort zones and build confidence.
The experience fostered teamwork, communication, and leadership, while helping students develop resilience and adaptability. Many girls reported feeling less anxious and expressed a renewed sense of self-worth, highlighting the powerful impact of outdoor learning on emotional wellbeing.
Find out more about the work Parks Charitable Trust for Girls do here: https://parktrust.org.uk/