<p>Throughout lockdowns&nbsp;we have saw an increase in children becoming more comfortable sitting with devices than embracing all things outdoors. We know the huge benefits outdoor learning and play has on their&nbsp;mental health and well-being and introducing this as early as possible is crucial.&nbsp;Following periods of lockdowns we found many of our children struggle to interact&nbsp;and socialise, through outdoor learning/play we have reaped the benefits of not only these barriers reducing but through this they are being shown how the outdoors is benefitting them&nbsp;physically as well as mentally,&nbsp;often giving teachers the opportunty to have informal chats around healthy eating and its importance to them as they grow.&nbsp;&nbsp;Following consultation with our young people, through the pupil focus group, they have asked if they could have some more resources for them to enjoy and learn outdoors with.&nbsp;&nbsp;Following this the parent council&nbsp;purchased some of the &quot;Operation Play Outdoors&quot;&nbsp;&nbsp;den building packages. These have had such amazing feedback from all year groups, however in order to provide more outdoor resources we must&nbsp;provide somewhere safe to store future purchases.&nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;</p>

<p>The St. Bridget&#39;s Show Group provides the opportunity for pupils from Primary 4 to 7 to participate in a weekly after school club, to develop their skills in Music, Dance and Drama. This opportunity to expand their knowledge of the Expressive Arts also encourages communication and community as well as building the confidence of all pupils involved. The group will rehearse a Musical and perform this on stage for the rest of the school and local community.&nbsp;</p> <p>This experience not only provides the opportunity for our pupils to explore Drama, Music and Dance at a greater depth, but a chance to perform on stage in a full scale musical.&nbsp;</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>Barnardo&#39;s works with young people across North Ayrshire in a variety of services. We would like to take the young people to a Pantomime this Christmas as their Christmas activity. We did this last year with non-recurring funding so this year we are looking for support as the young people that attended last year had such a good time, they got out the house, socialised and made new friends, and had a laugh. We will take the young people for dinner before the Panto and make them up a snack bag for the show. This activity will help young people with their mential health and wellbeing and social isolation. Dates for this years Pantomime are from 1st December to 7th January.&nbsp;</p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif">We are a group of young leaders who help facilitate Multisports clubs and events for the local youth community in the Kilwinning area.</span></span></p>