New Wellbeing and Mentorship Programme for Local Children Launches Next Week

A new and exciting wellbeing programme aimed at supporting children from less advantaged backgrounds is set to launch next week at St John’s and St Peter’s C of E Academy in Ladywood.

Colmore BID falls into the Ladywood Ward, one of the most deprived wards in the country. We work closely with St John’s & St Peters C of E School in Ladywood to give back to the local community.

The initiative, running for six weeks, will focus on promoting physical and mental wellbeing, while also providing mentorship to inspire career aspirations for young students.

Starting this Wednesday (18 September), the programme will be delivered by Sports Key, a specialist in engaging children through sports and activity-based learning. The multi-sport programme is designed for children in years 5 and 6, offering them a chance to participate in a variety of fun, non-competitive physical activities.

The sessions, scheduled from 3 to 4:30pm every Wednesday, will focus on developing a range of physical, psychological, and social skills. Children will participate in multiple activity stations aimed at improving key motor and cognitive functions. These stations will include:

• Gross motor skill development through varied activities
• Ball activities focusing on timing, reflexes, and coordination
• Body management exercises aimed at building strength, flexibility, and stability
• Agility stations to enhance balance and coordination
• Partner activities designed to encourage teamwork and spatial awareness

In addition to the physical activities, a dedicated mentoring corner will be provided, where activity leaders will engage children in structured conversations to foster cognitive development and career aspirations. This safe space will be a key element of the programme, offering guidance and support to help the children explore future opportunities.

Kelsey Dwyer, Partnership and Events Manager at Colmore BID and Community Building Working Group lead said: “Funding programmes like this is essential because it not only improves children’s physical health but also nurtures their emotional wellbeing and helps them envision brighter futures. For many, this kind of mentorship and encouragement can be life changing.”

The programme’s holistic approach, combining physical wellbeing with mentorship, aims to positively impact the participants’ physical and mental development, giving them the tools to thrive both now and in the future.