Delivered by the Youth Sport Trust in partnership with Lidl Northern Ireland, the programme trains young people to become Mental Health Champions who use physical activity to support their peers, helping create healthier, happier and more connected school communities.

How it Works

Schools receive expert support, practical resources and funding to deliver a peer-led wellbeing project over a six-week period.

Impact and Benefits

The programme helps schools improve wellbeing while developing young people's confidence, resilience and leadership.

• 95% of teachers reported improved pupil resilience
• 81% of student mentors reported improved leadership skills
• 75% of student mentors reported stronger resilience and connectedness
• 73% of student mentors reported increased confidence to participate in sport
• 65% of peer participants reported enjoying sport more
• 100% of teachers reported increased enjoyment and confidence in physical activity.

Why it Matters

Too many young people experience declining mental wellbeing and reduced levels of physical activity during adolescence. The Lidl Sport for Good Schools Programme uses physical activity as a practical way to improve wellbeing while developing confidence, resilience and leadership.

The challenge

• 45.2% of 16-year-olds in Northern Ireland screened positive for probable mental illness (Young Life and Times Survey, 2023).
• Only around 11% of post-primary pupils meet recommended physical activity guidelines.
• Wellbeing among children and young people in Northern Ireland has declined over recent years, highlighting the need for early intervention and preventative approaches.

By combining physical activity with peer mentoring and positive role models, the programme helps schools support young people's mental and physical wellbeing in an engaging and sustainable way.