In a new film released today for BBC Children in Need, Joe Wicks, The Body Coach, gives an insight into his recent visit to Oasis Children’s Venture, a project based in Stockwell, that is benefitting from BBC Children in Need funding.
As BBC Children in Need’s first-ever Schools Ambassador, the visit was an opportunity for Joe to see how the public’s generous donations are making a difference to disadvantaged children and young people living in London.
Using a three-year grant of £102,729, Oasis Children’s Venture provides children and young people aged between 8-18 with a safe and unique space where they can get together and take part in outdoor activities with their friends. Whether it’s rock climbing, zip-lining, gardening or cooking, the project aims to help the children and young people get outdoors, become more active and feel good by leading a healthier lifestyle. Young people can even take to the projects very own go-kart track where they can team up with friends and experience the thrill of a race. The activities are so important for the children and young people taking part, as they help to reduce isolation, build confidence and improve their self-esteem.
During the visit, Joe was given a guided tour of the nature garden where children and young people build dens, cook and grow fresh fruits and vegetables, and learn about the wildlife that surrounds them. Joe also spent time exploring the adventure playground and sensory bus before taking to the project’s go-karting track.
Speaking at Oasis Children’s Venture, Joe Wicks said: “I’ve absolutely loved it here today at Oasis Children’s Venture. It’s such an incredible space where children and young people can come and spend time with their friends and build their skills and confidence. Whether it’s climbing, running or swinging around the adventure playground, growing fresh fruit and veg, or racing their mates on the go-kart track, there’s something for everyone – which is brilliant! As a father myself I know just how important it is for kids to get outside, and get active whilst having fun – and here at Oasis Children’s Venture, they do exactly that. It’s been great to see first-hand where the funding goes and it’s made me all the more excited to be a part of this year’s Appeal – I can’t wait to see how the British public get together and get fundraising for BBC Children in Need!”
David Ogwe, Project Co-Ordinator at Oasis Children’s Venture said: “The young people were delighted to meet Joe and have really enjoyed getting to know him, showing him around their favourite parts of the playground, and introducing him to the go-kart track – which always proves to be incredibly popular! Here at Oasis Children’s Venture, play is so important to us, and we know just how much of a difference it can make in helping children and young people lead healthier, happier lives. Thanks to funding from BBC Children in Need we’re able to do just that, so on behalf of us all here at Oasis Children’s Venture, I want to say a huge thank you.”
As BBC Children in Need’s Schools Ambassador, Joe Wicks has teamed up with the charity’s Official Education Partner, Twinkl, to inspire and empower thousands of schoolchildren to get fundraising for BBC Children in Need’s 2019 Appeal, whilst getting active and feeling good. Twinkl is also creating a range of free resources to support schools and make fundraising easy, educational and fun.
Jonathan Seaton, Co-Founder and CEO of Twinkl, said: “We’re so excited to be working the campaign, creating on a range of resources that are packed with ideas and tips. From sponsored games and healthy bake sale recipes to role-play masks and quizzes – we want to give schools everything they need to do some active and exciting fundraising.”
Joe’s ambassadorial role will also see him reprise his hugely popular Schools Tour programme to support the charity’s fundraising efforts. Ahead of BBC Children in Need’s 2019 Appeal ten lucky UK schools will receive a visit from Joe, where he will run a fun-filled mini workout session designed specifically for students and teachers. Schools simply need to register for a free supporter kit by 27th September to be in with a chance of receiving a visit from The Body Coach himself.
