70% of people in prisons were excluded in school. Our multi-award winning Project HE:RO supports the most vulnerable children at risk of exclusion, intervening at an early age to make sure they don’t go from disadvantaged children to disadvantaged adults. This results in healthier, happier children and a brighter future for our society.
Children’s Health and Wellbeing
Children’s health is about far more than physical activity. Obesity levels are rising, but 10% of children aged 5 to 16 also have a mental health problem. Cognitive deficits hold pupils back from learning and poor sleep affects concentration and focus. Project HE:RO is built on six areas of wellbeing, measured by our Wellbeing Compass assessment tool: physical activity, diet, sleep, emotional health, cognitive health and personal development. All are essential to enable children to achieve.
Health Mentors
Our Health Mentors are at the heart of Project HE:RO’s success. They provide targeted mentoring, group sessions and whole-school interventions to engage children in healthy lifestyles. Health Mentors are well-trained and equipped by our Health Mentor Training Programme, giving them all the skills they need to create a healthier and happier school culture. They provide inspiring role models for children, staff and parents to kickstart a healthier generation.
Real Outcomes
Project HE:RO has been empowering our most vulnerable pupils for over 15 years. Research by the Health Foundation, Leeds Beckett University and the Centre for Education and Youth has shown that Project HE:RO’s impact goes beyond direct beneficiaries and improves the lives of many more pupils. Within three terms, children can create healthy habits that stick. Our work has been proven to improve cognition and focus, and help children catch up with their learning. Contact us to find out how we could help your school.
Read the Health Foundation's latest Project HE:RO research report