We want to say a massive thank you to the London Marathon Foundation who have awarded us a £50,000 Active Spaces grant to deliver Little Manor Activate, our new programme which will keep at least 70 Newham children fit and active whilst participating in our after-school play offer.

From talking to children, we know that key enablers for them to keep active are: 

  • Doing activities with friends collectively in groups
  • When our playworkers are motivating them to exercise
  • When our playworkers schedule time for them to be active
  • We regularly celebrate improved mood and well-being to support children and young people’s confidence and self-esteem

As a result of taking part in Little Manor Activate, we expect inactive children to: 

  • Become more confident in trying new sports and activities
  • Learn about, take part in, and enjoy new or different sports activities
  • Develop relationships with their peers through taking part in sports and activities
  • Continue undertaking activity outside of the after-school club

This programme has developed out of a pilot programme that we delivered during the school holidays and this funding will enable us to develop and expand this programme to offer this support year-round to some of Newham’s most vulnerable children.

We have developed this programme following feedback from the schools we have worked with who have told us parents are asking for the provision to be extended beyond the school holidays because they can see the positive benefit to their children.

The project is part of our mission to see children, young people and families in Newham and east London leading happy healthy lives, realising their potential and unlocking their ambition.

Find out more about the Little Manor Play Project here: www.aston-mansfield.org.uk/what-we-do/working-with-childrenhttps://www.aston-mansfield.org.uk/what-we-do/working-with-children/little-manor-play-project//

Find out more about the London Marathon Foundation Grants here: www.londonmarathongroup.org/latest-news/2023/2-million-awarded-to-create-active-spaces-in-london