Youngsters from Exmouth Community College have been taking part in a project to encourage physical activity and mental well-being.

LED Community Leisure and HeadsUP Mental Health Awareness Ltd have been working on a project with Exmouth Community College, supported by Active Devon.

The project has helped teenagers to engage in activity that will benefit their general well-being, as well as support their physical activity.

Corin Bryant, an instructor from LED Community Leisure, has been working with a group of Year 11 girls and Year 10 boys on a weekly basis.

The sessions initially took place at the school, during school time and have now moved to the Leisure Centre.

LED Community Leisure worked with the school and identified several barriers that the young people felt they had, which were either stopping them from exercising or from taking part in any physical activity.

By breaking down these barriers and supporting the young people, LED have had great success - the young people now feeling comfortable to attend the Leisure Centre independently.

"Having this support for the young people at the initial stages is key to making these physical activity habits become life-long. It's thanks to all partners involved that this project has had a positive impact for the young people of Exmouth." said Jane Nicholls, Community Engagement Manager at LED Community Leisure.

Carolyn Clements from Exmouth Community College said: "This has been a positive programme for our students as we have seen them develop confidence and physical stamina over the last few months. Student feedback has told us that the morning exercise together with the relaxation and mindfulness activities has really helped improve their mind-set and increased their focus levels for the day.

"Going to the classes at the Leisure Centre was good fun and helped them to see the wide variety of facilities on offer. We have been delighted to work in partnership with local providers and impressed by the professionalism of the staff.

"This is a project that we would love to be able to continue in the future. Specifically, would like to target our younger students in key stage 3, to help promote long-term engagement in the physical and emotional health benefits of exercise."

Paula Baker, director of HeadsUP said: "One of the reasons we set up this project was to reduce the stress and anxiety levels of the pupils in Years 10 and 11. Getting regular exercise and starting to understand the positive relationship between exercise and mental health, gives the pupils a strategy to manage their stress and anxiety levels.

"We are very excited that this project has been so successful, and we are looking forward to continuing our partnerships and supporting the pupils of Exmouth Community College."