Cambridge University Women's Boat Club help launch Disney-themed activities Change4Life 10 Minute Shake-Up campaign at Arbury Primary School

Members of Cambridge University Women's Boat Club are supporting an initiative from the government’s Change4Life campaign to encourage youngsters to get active.

A new survey from Change4Life and Disney UK found that less than half of parents in the East of England are aware that physical activity can build children’s self-confidence (47 per cent), reduce anxiety (49 per cent) and improve their self-esteem (43 per cent).

And just one in 10 think that physical activity can help children develop attributes which make it easier to cope with life’s little setbacks.

But evidence shows that children and young people who are more active have more confidence, higher self-esteem, less anxiety and stress and better social skills.

To help children in the region get more active this summer, the Change4Life campaign is encouraging children to play ‘10 minute shake up’ games inspired by characters from Disney.

Simon How, health and wellbeing programme lead at PHE East of England, said: “Our Change4Life 10 minute shake-up games aim to help fire up the imagination of young Disney fans by offering a series of activities for kids to enjoy. The children will develop and practice the skills they need to build strength like Mr Incredible, stamina like Buzz Lightyear and agility like Simba.

"The games are available for schools to use and for pupils to take home and have fun with family and friends all through the summer holidays."

The 10 Minute Shake-Up campaign is being supported by Cambridge University rowing teams who are really keen to encourage kids to try new activities and have fun, and how physical activity can help develop the skills you need to face life’s challenges.

It was launched by the teams at Arbury Primary School.

Siobhan Cassidy, chair of Cambridge University Women’s Boat Club, said: "The Cambridge University Women's Boat Club is so pleased to support PHE’s Change4Life Campaign, and happy today joining with the kids from Arbury Primary School – taking part in the ‘10 minute shake-up games.’

“This is such a great way for children to get outside and enjoy exercise; having fun with classmates in the fresh air is such an important part of life at school. Good physical health is so important and enables children to be in the best shape possible to work well in the classroom too!

“The city of Cambridge and Cambridge University is world famous for rowing and has a thriving friendly rowing community along the river Cam. Rowing is great for all ages and can appeal in particular to people who find traditional ball sports unappealing. Almost everyone who comes to the University in Cambridge will have a go at rowing, whether they consider themselves 'sporty' at school or not!

"Rowing is a wonderful sport where young people develop physically and mentally in a supportive and team orientated environment. If you missed the May Bumps, just come along and watch the Town Bumps to see first hand how much fun there is to be had.”

Visit nhs.uk/change4life.