<p>Enhancing the outdoor space available at Dykesmains, we would like to support the Eco Committee in further developing the outdoor areas, including the outdoor classroom and spaces for lessons in sustainability and with the family learning team.</p>

<p><strong>The link between exercise and mental health is complicated. Inactivity can be both a cause and a consequence of mental illness, for example. But there are lots of ways that exercise can benefit your mental health, such as:</strong></p> <ul> <li> <p><strong>The levels of chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, stress hormones and endorphins, change when you exercise.&nbsp;</strong></p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Regular exercise can help you sleep better. And&nbsp;<a data-print-url="http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/Mood-and-sleep" href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/Mood-and-sleep">good sleep helps you manage your mood</a>.</strong></p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Exercise can improve your sense of control, coping ability and self-esteem. People who exercise regularly often report how good achieving a goal makes them feel.&nbsp;</strong></p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Exercise can distract you from negative thoughts and provide opportunities to try new experiences.</strong></p> </li> <li> <p><strong>It offers an opportunity to socialise and get social support if you exercise with others.&nbsp;</strong></p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Exercise increases your energy levels.&nbsp;</strong></p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Physical activity can be an outlet for your frustrations.&nbsp;</strong></p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Exercise can reduce skeletal muscle tension, which helps you feel more relaxed.&nbsp;<br /> North Ayrshire ice hockey club creates a safe environment to children/ young adults to support the training needs, proving them with coaches to support ongoing training needs and a facility to do this safely.</strong></p> </li> </ul>

<p>We as young ambassadors at Ardrossan Academy would like to apply for funding towards our extra curricular clubs equipment. We have a variety of clubs going on within the school for all ages however the lack of equipment means we are limited to how many kids can take part and what sports they can be offered. Alot of&nbsp;the equipment is dated and in need of replacement. This new equipment would allow for more pupils to get involved in sport who do not get the opportunity out with of school. The cost of local clubs means some of our pupils don&#39;t get the chance to try different sports and the volunteers/teachers within the school who co-ordinate the clubs need some support with this equipment fund.&nbsp;</p>