Sodexo helps children in NW adopt healthy lifestyle

Sodexo, the world’s largest services company, has joined forces with Coram Life Education, a charity which helps children better understand the benefits of healthy living and diet. Sodexo’s partnership with Coram Life Education will enable the charity to extend its reach of schools within the Salford area of Manchester through the sponsorship of one of its state-of-the-art mobile classrooms as well as providing valuable financial support which will enable the charity to offer grants to schools wishing to participate in its programme but do not have a budget for a visit. David Steadman, Coram’s commercial director said: “We are delighted that Sodexo is supporting us to help children develop the confidence and understanding they need to make healthier choices for the rest of their lives.” Coram Life Education’s specialist programme is aimed at children aged 3-11 years and provides valuable education about how they can look after their bodies and minds using fun, interactive and age-specific activities. The programme is delivered by qualified educators in the mobile classrooms using an interactive model of the human body, fibre optic lighting and a multi-media suite. Films and puppetry created by BAFTA award-nominated puppeteers from CBBC television are also used. As well as healthy lifestyle choices, it addresses issues such as self-esteem, drugs awareness, assertiveness and anti-bullying techniques and positive friendships. Thomas Jelley, Sodexo corporate citizenship manager says: “We are very pleased to support Coram Life Education and provide valuable financial support which will extend its specialist programme to reach even more school children. With 300 plus employees based in our Salford office plus a number of client sites nearby, it is an area close to our hearts. The programme fits perfectly with our STOP Hunger campaign which aims to tackle malnutrition, promote healthy eating and to deliver basic life skills in the communities in which we operate.” The £35,000 funding is from the Sodexo Foundation, the company’s own registered charity which is behind its STOP Hunger campaign. Recent research with schoolchildren who have taken part in the Coram Life Education programme demonstrates its exceptional success rate:  87% of children knew more about keeping healthy  76% recognised how their emotions and needs change in different situations 88% understood how others influence the choices they make about smoking, alcohol and other drugs  69% reported they had learned to be more assertive.