Flip Out unveils year two of its school scheme, offering 10,000 hours of free jumping

Flip Out Glasgow has unveiled year two of its initiative for schools, offering 10,000 hours of free jumping to primary and secondary pupils across Greater Glasgow.

Article Source: Flip Out
Last Updated: 14 November 2018 12:15

This week, Clare Haughey, Minister for Mental Health was at Flip Out Glasgow to announce year two of the trampoline arena’s free jumping for schools programme.

Since launching in April 2017, Flip Out has provided almost 8,000 free hours of jumping for 110 primary schools across greater Glasgow. Now in its second year, the Rutherglen trampoline park is recognising the health benefits for children of all ages and is offering a further 10,000 hours to both primary and secondary schools across the area.

Clare Haughey, who is also MSP for the Rutherglen area, joined primary five pupils from Cross Arthurlie Primary in Barrhead who were enjoying their first session.

It is estimated that around 10% of children and young people in Scotland have mental health problems that are so significant they impact on their daily lives and 4,015 children and young people started treatment with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in Scotland in 2017, according to an NHS report on CAMHS.

Recognising both the physical and mental health benefits of trampolining, Clare Haughey said: “Being physically active is one of the best things we can do for both our physical and mental health. People who are physically inactive face greater risks of poorer mental health, and our vision is of a Scotland where more people are more active, more often.

“The Flip Out free trampolining for schools initiative is a great example of an innovative and fun project that can help ensure everyone has the opportunity to gain the benefits of being active.”

According to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, trampolining has many health benefits. It offers a full body work-out, improving balance and strengthening bone density and importantly, the up and down motion of bouncing is also good for the lymphatic system and releases stress reducing endorphins.

The arena, which is one of the world’s largest trampoline parks, is offering a block of four hour-long sessions for primary and secondary schools, between 10am and 2pm on weekdays. Schools can use them for one class or they can be split across all year groups. Sessions are available to book immediately but are on a first come, first served basis.

George Gallacher, general manager at Flip Out Glasgow said: “We’re delighted that the Minister is backing our latest school initiative. We had fantastic feedback following year one and this year we think it’s important to use these sessions to create awareness of the mental health benefits that exercise can bring to young children. More and more young people are facing stress-inducing pressures at school as well as at home and if we can help to alleviate these, even just a little, then it will be a great achievement.”

Schools from across Glasgow and the West are encouraged to get in touch if they are interested in taking advantage of the free sessions. Please call Flip Out on 0141 406 1600.

To find out more about Flip Out Glasgow, visit www.flipout.co.uk.