City Youth Forum launches Healthy Living Week

A new Healthy Living initiative, set to boost the mental and physical health of young Londoners living, working or studying in the Square Mile, begins this week.

The City Youth Forum, which represents young people aged between 11-19 or up to 25 years old for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), is seeking to support others to maintain a healthy lifestyle with health being a top priority for many during the pandemic.

The City Youth Forum, part of the City of London Corporation’s work to commission youth participation and delivered byProspects, part of Shaw Trust, (@bizhealthy) wants to help more young people take control of their mental and physical health by offering free fitness classes and workshops during the school summer holidays.

As well as hosting a range of free events, including virtual wellbeing sessions and fitness days, the City Youth Forum will also be offering young people a free Healthy Living Guide containing tips and tricks on how to improve their health and wellbeing over the summer break.

Targeting three key areas for a healthy lifestyle, including Healthy Body, Healthy Mind and Healthy Eating, the guide seeks to equip young people with vital skills and knowledge to help reduce stress, eat better, and lead an all-round healthier lifestyle.

Supported by the City of London Corporation, the governing body of the Square Mile, the Healthy Living Week – which runs from 29 July to 5 August – is just one of a number of initiatives run by the City Youth Forum to help young Londoners to get involved in campaigns and community projects.

Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Health and Wellbeing Board, Marianne Fredericks, said:

“The pandemic has hit our young people hard. Wellbeing levels have deteriorated with many having had little or no access to regular sporting or social activities during lockdown. With most restrictions now having been lifted, it is more important than ever that young people are encouraged to take care of their physical health and wellbeing.

“The Healthy Living Week by the City Youth Forum is a fantastic initiative. Run by young people for young people, it offers the chance to get fit and learn important health tips whilst meeting new friends and having fun.

“I am very proud of all those at the City Youth Forum for pulling this week together and for the huge contribution they make to the Square Mile each and every day.”

City Youth Forum Facilitator, Matilda Newman-Smart said:

“I am extremely proud of our City Youth Forum members. They have worked exceptionally hard on these activities, and I cannot stress how important this initiative is to us. Part of selfcare is reaching out to others and taking time to be involved in programmes that helps you to look after yourself.”

Member of Youth Parliament for the City of London, Raphael Leone said:

“We are absolutely delighted to be running this week of Healthy Living activities. Eating nutritious food, participating in regular sporting activities and taking care of our mental health is so vital, as COVID has emphasised, and therefore we hope that the week will encourage young people in the City to not only live a healthier lifestyle, but to enjoy doing so.”