Louth schools urged to get moving for the Barnardos Big Active

Students in Louth are being urged to join over 1,700 local students already taking part in the Barnardos Big Active, supported by ALDI this year. 

The Barnardos Big Active was officially launched by Paul O’Connell. In its third year, the school-based initiative is aimed at helping students of all ages and abilities across the country, to focus on their own health and wellbeing, all while helping others.

Barnardos is inviting both primary and secondary schools nationwide to register at www.barnardos.ie/bigactive and ‘get active’ to raise funds to support vulnerable children and families.

The campaign promotes a range of activities based on the Body, Mind and Heart. 

• Body - Physical challenges that take care of your body 

• Mind - Mindfulness exercises to support positive mental health and wellbeing

• Heart - Promoting the importance of charity by helping others around you

Barnardos Big Active and ALDI Ambassador Paul O’Connell said: “Looking after our wellbeing is so important. For me, I like to spend time with my family, go for a long walk, cook a meal, or play a game of golf with friends.

“I’m delighted to continue supporting such a meaningful initiative to help students of all ages and abilities focus on their own health and wellbeing, all the while helping over 20,000 children and families with the support of Barnardos”.

Barnardos CEO Suzanne Connolly said: “I’m delighted that we are in year three of the Barnardos Big Active, supported by ALDI and it’s really great to see new schools coming on board every year. Together we can inspire students to prioritise their wellbeing and we hope that they will carry this commitment into adulthood.

"Our aim is also that students will recognise and enjoy improving their own wellbeing while also making a valuable difference to the most vulnerable children and families in Ireland through the funds raised. Thanks so much to all of the participating schools, we really appreciate your support.” 

Speaking on the Big Active, Rachel Nugent, National Sustainability Manager at ALDI Ireland added: “At ALDI, we are committed to working alongside Barnardos to encourage students from across Ireland to look after their own health and wellbeing, which is why we are continuing our support of the Big Active initiative.

"We are passionate about providing primary and secondary schools with the resources needed to care for both their physical and mental health. That’s why we are encouraging all schools to take part in this year’s Big Active”.

As part of the Big Active initiative, participating teachers and schools will receive all materials to support activities, including personal journals for each student to track their progress. Register your class and start your own Big Active fundraiser here.