Hula hooping, juggling and skipping are part of a ‘lockdown’ challenge set by youth workers in Nottinghamshire.

The 4Uth Activity Challenge has seen youth workers delivering 150 activity packs to young people across the county, which include hula hoops, skipping ropes, yo-yos, juggling balls and a challenge sheet.

Nottinghamshire’s youth service has set up the challenge thanks to £2,000 funding for the equipment from Active Notts, which is partnered with Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottingham City Council to encourage people to make getting active part of their daily lives.

Children who receive a pack are being encouraged to video themselves taking part in the 15 seconds of hula hooping, 20 seconds of juggling and 30 seconds of skipping before sending it to their youth worker, with a chance to be entered into a competition to win one of three prizes.

Being in lockdown can be a struggle, many young people are not in school and not able to participate in their usual activities. It is hoped that the challenge packs will help to keep vulnerable children in contact with their youth workers during the lockdown period, while championing physical and mental wellbeing.

Councillor Philip Owen, Chairman of the Children and Young People’s Committee at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “We believe that now more than ever, young people will benefit from having something to do to which will positively occupy their mind and body.

“The initiative is aimed at young people we work with through our young people’s centres and will provide them with an opportunity to have fun, take on a new challenge and record their achievements.

“We would like to say a big thank you to Active Notts for making this possible by funding the equipment included in the packs.

“This is just one of the ways that our Youth Service is engaging with young people at a time when they unable to attend the centres and take part in their normal activities.”

Will Hughes at Active Notts, said: “Physical activity is so important, not just for our physical health but also our mental health and especially now when we aren’t able to keep in our usual routines.

“We’re happy to work with Nottinghamshire County Council and other organisations to help make physical activity the norm for the people who live, work and study in our communities and we hope the packs will be one way to help make that happen.”

Phoebe, who recently received one of the packs, said: “I am very excited about the pack and can’t wait to start using it and enter the challenge!”

To watch the video click here .

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