More than 80 families from some of the most deprived areas in Wigan and Leigh will be leading healthier lifestyles thanks to a £47,000 grant to Wigan Athletic Community Trust.

The grant will fund the Kids on the Move programme and support young children aged between two to five years to develop their fundamental, physical, social, and emotional skills through a variety of engaging games and activities. Parents and carers will also get support and access to local services to help them live healthier lives.

Based on the Early Years Foundation Statutory Framework (EYFS), the programme will help children reach important developmental milestones. It will work with each child to improve all aspects of their growth, giving them the best possible start in life, both inside and outside primary school.

Starting in early 2025, Kids on the Move will hold two weekly sessions at community hubs in deprived areas of Wigan and Leigh. The programme will run for 50 weeks each year, offering families engaging activities like playtime, arts and crafts, and educational workshops. Parents and carers will also receive help through meetings on managing money, cooking healthy meals on a budget, and access to job training courses.

The programme was co-created with input from families and health professionals to address the specific challenges faced by the local community. A survey with 35 families in the area highlighted the impact of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Eighty per cent of respondents said it has negatively affected their family’s wellbeing, mental health, and ability to provide nutritious meals and warm homes.

Research from Wigan Council found that 54 per cent of households in Wigan are living in poverty. Children in the poorest areas are more likely to experience issues such as excess weight, tooth decay, and lower language and problem-solving skills. Recognising these needs, Wigan Athletic Community Trust aims to reduce the long-term effects of poverty on children’s development through Kids on the Move.

Building on the success of previous six-week programmes in early-year settings, this new initiative aims to continue that work with more targeted and family-focused support, ensuring a lasting impact across multiple generations.

Wigan Athletic Community Trust is the official charity of Wigan Athletic Football Club, supporting over 14,000 people annually through various projects. These initiatives focus on schools, community development, and training and skills. Wigan Athletic Community Trust aims to increase sports participation, particularly among under-represented groups, encourage young people and families to lead healthier, more active lifestyles, enhance the skills and aspirations of young people, and improve community cohesion by raising the quality of life for both young people and families.