Maya Girls United Fit and Fed.jpeg

In March, the UK government imposed a stay-at-home order banning all non-essential travel and contact with people outside one's home, shutting almost all schools. These events presented an unprecedented disruption to the education of children and young people, in addition to their social wellbeing and mental health.

When government guidelines had said after school clubs could reopen Girls United supported Slade Adventure Playground’s Fit and Fed campaign against inactivity and hunger amongst children during school holidays.

Girls United supported by providing over 200 hot meals during the summer, 90 breakfast boxes and 150 weekend food boxes. In total 40 hours of physical activity was provided by Girls United and Slade Gardens Adventure which saw different sports, and team / individual challenges. 

Thank you so much to the funding organisations of Fit and Fed who have delivered huge impact for young people in Lambeth and Southwark. The programmes was able to achieve the following outputs:

  • Over half a million pounds granted to community organisations in Lambeth and Southwark

  • 80 holiday programmes for young people aged 0 - 24 

  • 1478 sessions available to young people 

  • 6978 individual children partaking 

  • 172 funded places for individual children with SEND requirements 

  • 119,279 meals 

Sophie and Ty-lee - Girls United at Slade Adventure Playground

Sophie and Ty-lee

Ty-lee has been attending specialist sessions since 26th June 2020. Once a week he has been able to attend the Adventure Playground alongside his mother for an hour. 

Mum (Sophie) has found the sessions for Ty-lee amazing and therapeutic. He has been able to use the outside space to continue his own development of movement and coordination. 

She (Sophie) found Laverne and Cadella easy to engage and warm from the beginning. The initial telephone conversation was great, she received no information from the social workers so did not know what to expect. Both staff shared knowledge of other things i.e. local area, activities, disabilities etc.. However, she found that talking about sharing information was easier face to face rather than on the phone. 

Mum has said that Ty-lee has excelled. From day one to now he has grown in confidence. He looks forward to it and has a good rest once he gets home. 

He has progressed well within his communication skills, physical (wellbeing and coordination) and mental wellbeing. He recognises Laverne and Cadella and engages with them straight away, as soon as he enters the playground. He leaves mum alone. 

When the school is in contact mum thanks Slade Gardens in relation to his physical progression. Ty-lee enjoys exploring the playground and going up in the submarine and down the slide. He has also shown big improvement with his football skills. 

Girls United Fit and Fed

Abigail (from Girls United) said “It was a pleasure to meet Sophie and Ty-lee through Slade Gardens Adventure Playground. Sophie was so complimentary of the food support especially after lockdown and with the focus being on healthy food. Ty-lee himself enjoyed being able to explore the adventure playground which was made safe by all staff. Once comfortable with the staff we (Girls United) were able to focus on scoring goals, dribbling with the ball and celebrating sporting success he was achieving in the sessions. His mum was so impressed with how he well he was doing she wanted to invest in some football equipment after to continue to encourage this active lifestyle with him.”

“I honestly, believe this programme (Fit and Fed) allowed Sophie and Ty-Lee to be active in a safe space in the summer and provide the opportunity to connect back with community through organisations such as Girls United and Slade Gardens Adventure Playground.”

On Monday 24th August Ty-lee attended a session open for children and young people and enjoyed it.

Mum says she will continue to attend the playground and has been recommending other families to use it.