Press Release: Greater Manchester on track to become the world’s first Daily Mile City-Region

Greater Manchester is committed to becoming the first Daily Mile city-region, by encouraging all its residents to get moving and adopt 15 minutes of physical activity every day.


  • Greater Manchester is committed to becoming the first Daily Mile city-region, by encouraging all its residents to get moving and adopt 15 minutes of physical activity every day
  • Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, was presented with a special gift from the founder of The Daily Mile, Elaine Wyllie

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester was joined by Elaine Wyllie, founder of The Daily Mile, to celebrate Greater Manchester’s commitment to becoming the world’s first Daily Mile city-region.

Elaine presented Andy with a special pair of ‘The Daily Mile’ plimsolls to commemorate the city-region’s pledge to become more active and secure the fastest improvement to the health and wellbeing of Greater Manchester’s 2.8 million citizens by becoming the world’s first Daily Mile City-Region. This sets a target for all nurseries, schools, universities and work places to adopt The Daily Mile.

Currently 25% of Greater Manchester adults are inactive with 38% not active enough to benefit their health whilst 28% of children in Greater Manchester are classified as overweight or obese. With inactivity costing the NHS in Greater Manchester an estimated £26.7million per year, Greater Manchester partners are working together to get Greater Manchester Moving.  There is compelling evidence to show that physical activity can greatly improve a person’s mental and physical wellbeing and The Daily Mile is an activity that can done by everyone regardless of age, ability or personal circumstance.

The Daily Mile is a simple, free and fun initiative where children and adults run, jog or walk for fifteen minutes every day. In this time, most people will average a mile or more.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester said: “We do things differently here in Greater Manchester and we are showing this by being the world’s first city-region committed to The Daily Mile. We are ambitious in both what we want to achieve and to improve the lives of everyone who lives and works across our city-region.

“I am a big believer in physical activity because it has a positive impact on both physical and mental health, which is exactly what The Daily Mile sets out to achieve. I want to give young people the best active start in life and it is very promising to see that we already have 43% of schools in Greater Manchester on board with the initiative.

“Currently 38% of adults in Greater Manchester are not active enough to benefit their health, but we are working to improve this. I am confident that with the introduction of The Daily Mile, aligned with the ambitions of the Greater Manchester Strategy and Greater Manchester Moving, we can achieve our goals of seeing a great improvement to the health, wealth and wellbeing of everyone in our city-region.”

Elaine Wyllie, Founder of The Daily Mile said: “I started The Daily Mile when I was a head teacher in 2012 to improve the fitness and increase physical activity levels amongst our students. It’s now spread to over 3,100 schools worldwide. Workplaces are now starting to catch on to the benefits. It’s not just physical fitness; participants have shown improvements in attainment, concentration and quality of sleep.”

Sarah Price, Executive Lead for Population Health and Commissioning at Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership said: “Our vision is to achieve the greatest and fastest improvement to the health and wellbeing of people in Greater Manchester.  We currently face significant health challenges and inequalities, but whether it’s heart disease or mental health, becoming more active can make a big difference.”

“Walking, jogging, or running a mile each day is an easy way to fit physical exercise into busy family life – everyone can get involved, from children to grandparents.  That’s why Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership is proud to support a region wide commitment to the Daily Mile.”

Matt Stocks, Senior Development Manager at GreaterSport said: “GreaterSport are extremely proud and excited about Greater Manchester becoming the world’s first city-region committed to The Daily Mile. We strongly believe that The Daily Mile can greatly improve a person’s mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing. We hope that this award will inspire all Greater Manchester residents to walk, jog or run their Daily Mile!”

ENDS.

 

For media enquiries, please contact The Daily Mile Foundation’s Media Agency, Media Zoo on (+44)207 384 6980, at Joseph@mediazoo.tv

Press Release: Tower Hamlets kids go the extra mile

Tower Hamlets’ school children took part in a ‘The Daily Mile celebration event’ on Tuesday 20 March at Mile End stadium.


The Daily Mile is an initiative that encourages children of all ages and abilities to run or jog for 15 minutes, every day, to improve their physical, social, emotional and mental health and wellbeing.

It has been implemented across over 2,000 schools in the United Kingdom, and in over 3,100 schools worldwide. Tower Hamlets schools have the highest uptake among the London Boroughs, with 26 schools taking part in The Daily Mile.

Approximately 900 children from over 17 schools ran or jogged for 15 minutes on the track of Mile End stadium, then collected their medals and certificates.

Chief Executive of Tower Hamlets Council, Will Tuckley, also ran The Daily Mile. Twice. He said: “It was fantastic to get out in the fresh air and on the race track with the children. Exercise is so important for children’s mental and physical health.”

“Over half the primary schools in the borough have brought The Daily Mile into their school day and teachers have said what a good effect it has on helping children concentrate on their school work. It also helps the children feel good about themselves for achieving that mile.”

Elaine Wyllie, founder of The Daily Mile and former primary school Headteacher said: “Today has been a fantastic celebration of The Daily Mile in Tower Hamlets, with almost 900 children from across the borough taking part.”

“Tower Hamlets has really hit the ground running, with the highest number of registered Daily Mile schools in London. It’s fantastic to see such cross-sectional support for schools to adopt The Daily Mile in the borough, working to encourage all their children to be healthy, active and fit for life.”

Also running and handing out medals and certificates were:

  • Cllr Danny Hassell
  • Sir Sam Everington, local GP and Chair of the Tower Hamlets CCG
  • Dr Somen Banerjee, Director of Public Health

The children completed their run in their school uniforms and at their own pace. They were joined by some teachers, school and council colleagues.

Children’s fitness levels and cardiovascular systems have developed as a result of participating in The Daily Mile. Teachers are reporting improved concentration levels in the classroom immediately after The Daily Mile and in some cases, improvements in behaviour.

ENDS.

 

For media enquiries, please contact The Daily Mile Foundation’s Media Agency, Media Zoo on (+44)207 384 6980, at Joseph@mediazoo.tv

Press Release: Staff get on their marks for The Daily Mile launch

Photograph courtesy of NHSGGC

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde


Wednesday, 21 March 2018 – Children in Scotland have inspired the biggest health board in the UK to help make their staff healthier, happier and more physically active.

Today NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) became the first health board to sign up to “The Daily Mile” initiative credited with making primary school pupils fitter, more resilient and more focused during lessons.

Minister for Public Health and Sport, Aileen Campbell joined Dr Linda de Caestecker, NHSGGC’s Director of Public Health, and Elaine Wyllie, Founder of The Daily Mile, to launch “The Daily Mile” employee health campaign.

Ms Campbell said:  “By taking small steps and walking just one mile a day, people can make huge changes to their lives. Something as simple as a 15 minute walk each day can add years to a person’s quality of life. 

“I am delighted that NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is encouraging its staff to get moving, and I hope that other health boards currently not signed up to The Daily Mile initiative will consider taking part. 

“Walking and being more active generally can contribute positively to areas such as mental and physical health. It demonstrates that prevention really is better than cure.

“There is no time like the present to get more active – with the Commonwealth Games just around the corner and Glasgow hosting the inaugural European Championships this summer, there are countless opportunities to get moving and make small, but effective, changes to your lifestyle.”

The Daily Mile was conceived by Elaine Wyllie, whilst headteacher of St Ninians Primary School in Stirling. Elaine implemented The Daily Mile in response to a challenge that the children lacked basic fitness.

“Together with the class, we decided to do something about it. Every day for 15 minutes the children would be encouraged to go out into the fresh air and run or jog around the field. It didn’t matter how fast they went, or how far: it was all about enjoying a sense of freedom, outside in the fresh air with their friends and teachers.”

Since that first 15-minute run in 2012, about 600,000 children in more than 3,000 primary schools worldwide, including over 1,000 in Scotland, now run almost two million miles a week. The daily 15-minute burst of physical activity has also been shown to improve children’s physical, mental, social and emotional health and wellbeing.

“I couldn’t have predicted the transformative impact The Daily Mile would have – not only did the children love it, but they were taking active ownership of their own health and wellbeing. We saw improvements in the children’s focus and behaviour in class, improved self-confidence, and reports from parents that their children were eating and sleeping better.

“I am so thrilled to see NHSGGC implement The Daily Mile for their staff and visitors, and hope other Health Boards will be inspired by their success.” 

As part of their Staff Health Strategy, NHSGGC has produced a website, maps and leaflets to show its employees how easily they can exercise more. The Daily Mile is part of a range of activities, which also includes yoga, football, metafit and active commuting, which encourages staff to be physically active.

“NHSGGC has been inspired by the success and simplicity of the initiative already adopted by schools,” said Dr de Caestecker.

“The Daily Mile campaign is the perfect opportunity to encourage over 38,000 employees to keep active, either by incorporating exercise into their working day, or by changing their commuting habits.”

Walking a mile each day has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma and stroke.

It can also help to make you feel happier, reduce stress, build self-esteem and lead to a good night’s sleep.

The Daily Mile Foundation supports the Scottish Government’s pledge to make Scotland the world’s first Daily Mile Nation.

More information on what is available to support NHSGGC staff on getting active is available at http://www.nhsggc.org.uk/working-with-us/staff-health/

ENDS.

 

For media enquiries, please contact The Daily Mile Foundation’s Media Agency, Media Zoo on (+44)207 384 6980, at Joseph@mediazoo.tv

 

Press Release: Jesse Lingard goes back to school for Sport Relief

Manchester United start surprised students by swapping the pitch for the playground.


Wednesday, 14 March 2018 – Pupils from a primary school in Manchester were left open-mouthed today as they were treated to a surprise visit from Manchester United star, Jesse Lingard.

The midfielder swapped the pitch for the playground as he joined a group of excited schoolchildren as they ran and jogged a for 15 minutes together outside in the fresh air. Putting Jesse through his paces, the visit marked the return of Sport Relief to schools across the UK, which this year is taking place across a whole week from 17th to 23rd March.

Lingard said, “It’s brilliant that Sport Relief is trying to get kids more active. Today was fun and everyone had loads of energy at the end.

It just shows that you don’t have to be on the pitch for 90 minutes to stay healthy and happy, 15 minutes of exercise a day can make a big difference, whatever your age.”

This year, Sport Relief is teaming up with The Daily Mile Foundation to encourage children to be more physically active every day and get fit for life. The Daily Mile encourages primary-aged children to run or walk for 15 minutes every day which has been credited with improving the physical, social, emotional and mental wellbeing of children across the UK and beyond.

For more information on how your school can get active and fundraise for this year’s Sport Relief, go to sportrelief.com.

ENDS.

 

For media enquiries, please contact The Daily Mile Foundation’s Media Agency, Media Zoo on (+44)207 384 6980, at Joseph@mediazoo.tv

 

Community Sport in the spotlight at third annual London Sport Awards

Source: London Sport

Date: 9-March-2018

Sport and physical activity’s role in changing lives across London was in the spotlight at Wembley Stadium last night (8 March), as the London Sport Awards took centre stage. In a ceremony high on inspiration and celebration, eight projects and individuals were acknowledged for their work in improving the lives of Londoners over the past year.

The Daily Mile Foundation’s Founder, Elaine Wyllie, “triumphed” in the Children and Young People category. The Award demonstrates:

  • A creative approach to getting more children and young people involved in physical activity and sport and/or reducing levels of inactivity among young people
  • A positive impact on the lives, health and wellbeing of children and young people
  • An ability to increase the proportion of young people from under-represented groups taking part in regular physical activity and/or sport
  • An ability to integrate regular physical activity into daily routines for young people who were previously inactive

This article has been reproduced with the kind permission of the content creator, London Sport. To continue reading, please click the link below.

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Press Release: Founder of The Daily Mile wins Children and Young People Award

Elaine Wyllie won the award during last night’s London Sport Awards at Wembley Stadium. 

Elaine was celebrated for her outstanding contribution to encouraging London’s young people to become more physically active. 

A former head teacher, Elaine founded The Daily Mile in 2012. It has now grown to more than 3,000 schools, including 310 schools in London.

Elaine said, “This is a fantastic honour for the whole Daily Mile team, which is committed to helping children get fit and healthy outside in the fresh air. I’m really proud of the teachers and children across London who are making The Daily Mile happen every day.

 


Elaine Wyllie, former head teacher and founder of The Daily Mile, was awarded for the Children and Young People Award from London Sport last night at Wembley Stadium. Elaine was recognised for her work in encouraging children and young people in London to lead physically active lifestyles, through her charitable foundation The Daily Mile.

The London Sport Awards celebrate grassroots physical activity and sport across the capital, striving to be the #MostActiveCity. The Children and Young People Award recognises projects that apply a creative approach to incorporating regular physical activity into daily routines, encouraging participation from under-represented groups and resulting in a positive impact on the lives, health and wellbeing of young people in London.

Elaine says, “I’m absolutely thrilled to have won. It’s a fantastic honour for The Daily Mile team to be recognised for our commitment to helping children and young people across London get fit and healthy. I’m really proud of the teachers and children across London who are making The Daily Mile happen every day.” 

The Daily Mile is a simple, free, but profoundly effective concept where school children run or jog for 15 minutes every day. There are 310 schools in London taking part in The Daily Mile.

Elaine founded The Daily Mile in 2012 when she was head teacher of St Ninian’s Primary School in Stirling. She had become increasingly concerned about the lack of fitness in her students. Within just four weeks, fitness levels had dramatically increased, attention levels and behaviour in class were improved and parents commented that their children were more active and alert, and were sleeping much better.

In just six short years, The Daily MIle has spread to more than 1,800 schools across the UK and over 3,000 schools around the world.

Elaine has since retired from teaching and has dedicated herself to introducing The Daily Mile to schools across the UK and abroad. She is passionate about improving the physical, social, mental and emotional health and wellbeing of our children.

ENDS.

 

For media enquiries, please contact The Daily Mile Foundation’s Media Agency, Media Zoo on (+44)207 384 6980, at Joseph@mediazoo.tv