Why hundreds of Sunderland families will receive a free pack to keep their children active during lockdown

Around 400 physical activity packs will be delivered to homes across the city with aim of encouraging isolated and vulnerable youngsters to keep active.

The free packs contain the likes of rackets, a skipping rope and soft balls ideal for creating indoor and outdoor games and activities.

They come as part of the Active Partnership for Northumberland and Tyne & Wear, who have teamed up with Active Sunderland, Sunderland City Council and Together for Children Sunderland to deliver the packs.

Funding has been provided by Sport England and the National Lottery.

Lee Sprudd, strategic director for the Active Partnership said: “With more families restricted to their homes, it is easy for activity levels to fall, and for stress levels to increase.

“We know that keeping active is a benefit to not only our physical health, but also our mental well-being.

“We hope therefore that these packs will give children who are most in need of support with the means to have fun, stay active and cope during the lockdown.”

Lee Sprudd added: “Our thanks also go to the Eagles Community Foundation for providing access to their arena to allow the packs to be put together whilst observing social distancing guidelines, and also to Sunderland Together for Children for distributing these to families they know are most in need.”

Together for Children – who helped to deliver the packs – provides a range of services for children and their families, including early help, social care and education.

It was launched in April 2017 and is owned by the council, but has its own board of directors who set the direction of the company, supervise the management of the business and hold the management team to account.

Jill Colbert, Chief Executive of Together for Children, added: “We know that promoting an active lifestyle in childhood can prevent issues like obesity developing in adulthood and now more than ever being active can aid mental wellbeing.

“We’re grateful to all those involved in this initiative and I’m sure children and families will enjoy these packs.”

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