Teen fitness programme grows as council backing helps more young people get active

More teenagers in Scunthorpe are getting active, building confidence and improving their mental wellbeing thanks to a council-funded fitness programme that is rapidly expanding across the town.

The MoveMENt New Beginnings, based on East Common Lane in Scunthorpe, has used a £3,800 grant from North Lincolnshire Council to grow its popular Teen Gym programme – creating more free sessions, more specialist support and more safe spaces for young people who might not otherwise access fitness activities.

From girls-only sessions, support groups to dads-and-kids workouts and culturally sensitive fitness sessions, the programme is designed around the real lives and experiences of local young people.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Too many young people face pressures around confidence, mental health and feeling like they belong.

“Programmes like this matter because they give teenagers somewhere positive to go, supportive adults around them and the chance to build confidence through fitness and friendship.

“This is exactly the kind of grassroots community activity we want to support – local organisations stepping up to create opportunities that genuinely change lives.

“It’s not just about exercise. It’s about helping young people feel healthier, happier, more connected and more confident about themselves and their future.”

The programme now runs seven free sessions every week, with up to 15 places available at each class. Every 45-minute session combines physical activity with wellbeing support, peer encouragement and confidence building in a welcoming, supportive environment.

Young people taking part can:

• learn new exercises and healthy habits
• improve fitness in a structured, supportive setting
• access wellbeing support tailored to their needs
• build confidence through peer coaching and group activity
• try different gym equipment and techniques safely

Weekly sessions include:

• Teen girls – Mondays, 4.15pm to 5pm and Wednesdays, 3.45pm to 4.30pm
• Teen boys – Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3.45pm to 4.30pm
• LGBTQIA+ teens – Fridays, 3.45pm to 4.30pm
• Dads and kids – Saturdays, 9.30am to 10.15am
• Teen girls health and hijabs – Saturdays, 12pm to 1pm

The funding forms part of North Lincolnshire Council’s wider £50,000 investment into youth activities across the area, helping community organisations provide free activities, trusted adult support and positive opportunities for young people outside school hours.

Sessions are already running throughout the year, with organisers continuing to shape future activities alongside young people and local communities.

For more information email sgnewbeginning@outlook.com.