Joining Forces for Health: The Transformative Impact of Clubs on Well-Being
April 20, 2024
Extra-curricular clubs
Beyond the confines of textbooks and classrooms, extra-curricular clubs provide more than just a break from routine; they provide a gateway to improved physical and mental well-being. Engaging in extracurricular clubs like sports, art, chess, science, cooking, drama and choir fosters skill development, enriches experiences, and enhances confidence and social interactions.
These activities have a positive outcome on attendance and attainment. Moreover, participation in clubs develops valuable skills for long-term aspiration and strengthens university and job applications. Above all, young people see extra-curricular clubs as a chance to have fun, unwind and relieve the stresses of the increasing pressure at school.
Despite the numerous benefits, research indicates that some young people do no extracurricular activity. Therefore, we must understand the benefits, and the opportunities and address any barriers hindering participation in such activities.
The benefits of extra-curricular
Sport and Fitness clubs
Engagement in sport clubs and physical activity can significantly enhance our mental wellbeing by:
- Boosting mood and self-esteem
- Reducing the likelihood of anxiety and depression
- Effectively manage stress
- Enable sound decision-making during challenging times
- Influencing how we perceive ourselves
- More likely to remain in education after compulsory schooling.
Furthermore, the social connections and bonds fostered through sports contribute to improving these factors.
Music clubs
Music has multiple beneficial effects on the mind.
- It can improve memory and slow down cognitive decline.
- It can help treat mental illness by release by triggering the release of dopamine and serotonin, chemicals associated with pleasure.
- It can help people with self-regulating their mood and help with processing feelings.
- Lower anxiety and help the symptoms of depression.
- Helps heart health
- Decreases fatigue
From igniting fireworks in the brain to enhancing memory, problem-solving and emotional understanding, music engagement offers a full-body workout for the mind.
Art Club
The act of creating, and appreciating art, gives people an experience that can have positive effects on mental health and wellbeing. Art has been found to:
- Provides an opportunity to express and process emotion.
- Increase confidence and self-esteem.
- Engagement in arts and crafts reduces stress and anxiety.
How to choose an extracurricular activity
A great way to gauge your interest in an activity is by speaking to someone already engaged in it. Whether it is a friend of the teacher organising the club, they can offer valuable insights into what it entails. By discussing their experiences, you will gain a clearer understanding of what’s involved, which can boost your confidence in participation and help you decide if you’re interested in being part of it.
It is worth having an open-minded attitude, trying activities out is the best way to decide if you are interested. You could do some research to see what clubs are available to you. You could sign up through school or university or find activities in the local community. If you are passionate about an activity which is not available, speak to your school or university as they could help you start this.
Barriers to participating in clubs
Key barriers preventing both groups from participating in sport and physical activity included time (mainly due to academic commitments), cost and a lack of confidence. Sometimes young people do not participate because they do not know what they can do and do not think they would fit in. There are financial barriers too; children from poorer backgrounds are often unable to afford some clubs.
Support for Parents
The more activities and hobbies that your child is exposed to, the more likely it is that they will develop an interest in something. So, help them with finding out what extracurricular clubs exist without pressure or expectations. The pupil premium grant is funding to improve educational outcomes for disadvantaged students in state-funded schools in England. It is additional funding the school can claim, based on the number of students at the school who are eligible for free school meals.
To find out if your child is eligible for free school meals you can seek further information at www.gov.uk or get in contact with your child’s school.
The grant also provides support for children and young people with parents in the regular armed forces. The pupil premium funding can be used to fund sports clubs, music lessons, or school trips.