Delivered by Active Humber, the Girls Carousel initiative is now in its fourth academic year and operates across all four areas of the Humber. Working in partnership with local leisure providers, the programme brings school PE lessons into community venues, giving young people access to a wider range of activities in supportive, non-traditional settings.
The sessions are designed to introduce girls to new and varied experiences beyond competitive sport. Activities include junior gym, group fitness classes, mindfulness sessions and wellbeing walks — all aimed at promoting both physical health and positive mental wellbeing.
A key focus of the programme is engaging young people who may not typically connect with mainstream school PE. By offering alternative forms of movement — such as walking and talking with friends or participating in gentle yoga — organisers hope to help girls discover activities they genuinely enjoy, encouraging lifelong healthy habits.
This week, a group of students from Foxhills Academy embraced that opportunity. The girls took part in a wellbeing walk around Central Park before heading to The Pods for a restorative yoga session.
By combining physical activity with mindfulness and social connection, the Girls Carousel programme continues to champion the powerful message during Children’s Mental Health Week, 'This is My Place', with the aim to support the systems around children and young people to help them feel they belong.
