District Council champions healthier lifestyles through summer wellbeing initiatives

A highlight of the summer programme was The Great Newark and Sherwood Cake Bake Challenge, which invited young people aged 10 to 16 to design and bake their own summer-themed cakes. This initiative not only encouraged creativity and participation but also served as a valuable opportunity for teenagers to develop practical cooking and baking skills. The challenge complemented the council’s wider programme of teen and family cooking sessions, which have been running throughout the year to support families in building confidence in the kitchen, understanding nutrition, and making informed food choices.

The Cake Bake Challenge is set to return during the October half term. Further details will be shared via the council’s social media channels in due course.

In addition, the Health and Wellbeing team supported the Newark Festival of Food, delivered in partnership with We Are Newark and Newark Town Council. Local chefs, including Jason from Burnt Toast, a Leith’s-trained chef with over 15 years of industry experience, showcased budget-friendly recipes designed to inspire healthier, affordable cooking. The council’s own ‘Chop and Chat’ team provided practical tips and hands-on guidance throughout the event. The festival also included themed days such as Meat-Free Monday, make-your-own picnic workshops, and healthy snack drop-ins. Families enjoyed interactive activities like granola bar making, seed bomb crafting, and oral health games, all designed to promote nutritious eating in a fun and accessible way.

Another standout initiative is the dynamic football programme at the Hawtonville Young People’s Centre, made possible through the support of the Community Alcohol Partnership. This project, led by Active4Today and bolstered by Nottinghamshire County Council Youth Services, has energised the local young people with engaging football activities and an inspiring range of opportunities thanks to a successful partnership with Newark and Sherwood District Council, Nottinghamshire Police, Nottinghamshire Fire Service, and Newark Town Council.

Held in a safe, inclusive atmosphere, these sessions harness the power of physical activity to effectively reduce anti-social behaviour, promote healthier lifestyle choices, and provide targeted, meaningful support. They foster positive peer connections and open doors for young people to join Active4Today’s Volunteer In Sport and Physical Activity (VISPA) programme - an outstanding pathway supporting experience and employment opportunities in sport and leisure. This initiative doesn’t just shape skills; it shapes futures and builds a stronger community.

Councillor Susan Crosby, Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing and Leisure at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “It is great to see the positive impact our summer initiatives had across the district. These projects are not only fun and engaging, they are helping our residents, especially young people, to build healthier habits and develop essential life skills. We are halfway through our Health and Wellbeing Strategy, and the progress is clear. From cooking sessions to community sport, we are delivering meaningful change and working closely with partners to ensure that every resident has the opportunity to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.”

Councillor Andy Freeman, Chair of Active4Today, said: “At Active4Today, we believe in the transformative power of sport to uplift communities, empower individuals and change lives. The football programme at Hawtonville Young People’s Centre is a shining example of what can be achieved when organisations come together with a shared vision – and it’s more than just a football initiative; we’ve built a safe, inclusive space where young people can thrive. This initiative is reducing anti-social behaviour, promoting healthier choices, and opening up exciting pathways like our VISPA programme, helping to shape brighter futures.”

All these initiatives align with the council’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which outlines a commitment to improving the physical and mental wellbeing of residents across the district through inclusive, community-led programmes. Through collaborative partnerships and targeted interventions, the council is working to ensure residents have access to health services and opportunities for skill development, employment, and community engagement.