Following the completion of the Healthy Places Healthy Children programme during 2024-2025, eight schools across Belfast went on to introduce a range of improvements designed to create greener, healthier and more engaging environments for pupils.

Projects delivered by schools included planting bulbs, trees and fruit, installing mud kitchens, introducing outdoor seating areas, launching anti-dog fouling campaigns, purchasing outdoor games for break times, improving green spaces for outdoor learning and play, and adding cycling and scooter storage facilities.

Inspired by the work taking place through the programme, Chris Marsh from Marsh Public Service Solutions, an independent contractor working with Belfast City Council, made social value donations to Holy Cross Girls’ Primary School and Euston Street Primary School to help further develop their outdoor environments.

Chris Marsh said: “It was fantastic to see the creativity and enthusiasm from the schools involved in the programme. Visiting the schools and seeing children actively enjoying and engaging with their outdoor spaces really highlighted the importance of investing in greener, healthier environments for young people. I’m delighted to support Holy Cross Girls and Euston Street as they continue to build on that work.”

Teacher Bernie Boyle from Holy Cross Girls’ Primary School said: “We are incredibly grateful to Chris for this generous support. The Healthy Places Healthy Children programme has already made a real difference within our school community and this additional funding will allow us to continue improving our outdoor spaces for the children. It’s wonderful to see local organisations recognising the importance of creating greener and healthier places for young people to learn and play.”

Jacqueline O’Hagan from Belfast Healthy Cities added: “The Healthy Places Healthy Children programme is about helping schools and communities create healthier, greener and more sustainable environments for children and young people. Outdoor spaces play a hugely important role in supporting physical activity, mental wellbeing, learning and connection with nature. It has been fantastic to see the creativity and enthusiasm from schools throughout the programme, and support like this helps ensure that work can continue to grow and develop.”

Pictured: Holy Cross Girls Pupils with Belfast Healthy Cities Board Member Michial Dudley, Chris Marsh and teacher Bernie Boyle