Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund: Reaching Communities, Living Well UK's sessions offer everything from arts and crafts and sports, through to creative therapies and emotional support.
Designed to provide both entertainment and an empathetic ear, the sessions support young people to improve confidence, boost creativity and self-expression, and build resilience. The free clubs are hosted afterschool from 3pm to 5pm during term time, and in the day from 10am to 12pm during school holidays. Sessions take place weekly at the Chris Bryant Centre in Erdington on Wednesdays, and the Women’s Enterprise Hub in Balsall Heath on Thursdays.
Jana Cotton, Grants & Programmes Manager from the Living Well UK team comments:
“We’re seeing more and more young people in need of an outlet across Birmingham - somewhere they can feel heard, where they can express their feelings, and just enjoy being a child, with other children. These after school clubs are about so much more than filling time after school; they’re creating vital spaces for connection, building confidence, and support. With mental health issues on the rise, we know how important it is to meet young people where they are – and learn about their wellbeing, and how to manage this in a non-pressurised setting.
Already, we’ve seen huge changes in some of the young people that are attending. For the young people who were withdrawn or struggling to manage their emotions, the clubs have become a place where they feel safe, seen, and supported. Whether it’s opening up in group discussions, getting stuck into a creative activity like painting, or just having a laugh with new and old friends, the difference a few weeks can make has been incredible.”
The need for this kind of early intervention is evident: Living Well UK’s 2024 figures show that more than 2,900 children and young people in the region are already accessing therapy through the charity. Responding to this growing need for mental health support, the clubs are not only easy – and free – for families to access and engage with; they are also fun for the kids attending.
Delivered in small, age-appropriate groups, activities range from creative arts and mindfulness activities, through to sport, yoga, and team games.
What’s more, open conversations about wellbeing are encouraged, with qualified therapists on hand to help those who might be struggling. Topics for group discussions are tailored to what’s going on in children’s lives – covering topics like social media pressures, anxiety, anger management and friendships, all in a way that feels relevant, safe and accessible.
One of the attendees, Jenna* aged 9, who has joined the club commented on her experience so far, saying:
“I look forward to coming every week and I am sad if I have to miss the group. I like it when we play dodgeball, football and I also like yoga. Without the group I would just be sitting around in my room, being bored.”
The project, which was piloted in July 2024 and was funded on the back of its positive impact, will now continue in both Erdington and Balsall Heath until the end of July 2026.
If you’d like to attend Living Well UK’s after-school clubs or sign your child up, visit the Living Well UK Eventbrite pages, here or here. If you don’t have the time, or capacity to sign up you can simply show up and a member of the team will get you onboarded.
| *Names have been changed to protect the identity of minors |