Fit and Fed Breakfast Clubs announced for Birmingham youngsters

School children in Erdington and Ladywood are getting their mornings off to a splashing start as local swimming breakfast clubs continue following a generous donation.

Energy and regeneration expert Equans, which manages repairs, maintenance and refurbishment services to over 37,000 homes on behalf of Birmingham City Council, has stepped in to fund the activities.

The 28-week programme, organised and run by Birmingham Community Leisure Trust in partnership with Serco Leisure, provides swimming and water safety sessions for 30 children each week at Erdington and Ladywood leisure centres.

The water-based activities are followed by a healthy breakfast served up before children start their school day.

The initiative means that almost 900 breakfasts will be provided before the end of the year to youngsters who might otherwise go without. Statistics show that one in three children in Birmingham live in poverty.

Justin Catton, senior operations director at Equans, said: “Our work in Birmingham goes way beyond repairing and improving homes.

“No child should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from, and this is just one way we can help. We’re keen to support communities as a whole so that people in the city can live healthier lifestyles and have opportunities to thrive.”

Dawn Page, deputy partnership manager for Birmingham Community Leisure Trust said: “I would like to thank Equans for their continued support for Fit and Fed Breakfast Clubs in the city.

“This programme of free swimming sessions followed by a nutritious meal is making a real difference to hundreds of local kids, who are now starting school ready to engage and ready to learn.”

The Fit and Fed concept was first thought up in 2022 to help support communities in the city with high levels of food insecurity and low levels of school swimming attainment.