Press release
AEGON Breakfast Club Initiative launched for City of Edinburgh
25 September 2007Three year plan to offer free breakfast to every primary school child in the capital.
The Heart of Midlothian Education and Community Trust, The City of Edinburgh Council and main sponsor AEGON today (Tuesday 25th September 2007) announce the launch of the major AEGON Breakfast Club Initiative.
Working together in a three-way partnership the group aims to establish a breakfast club facility in all City of Edinburgh Council primary schools over a three year period from September 2007 to September 2009.
Breakfast clubs offer children free access to a healthy and nutritious meal at the start of the day and in addition, staff provide assistance beyond the provision of breakfast, including emotional support, help with homework, as well as the opportunity to interact with children of different ages.
The Heart of Midlothian Education and Community Trust, the City of Edinburgh Council and AEGON have appointed a full-time breakfast club coordinator, Karen McKendrick, who will manage the roll out of new AEGON Breakfast Clubs across the city. She will also be responsible for signing up local businesses as sponsors for each primary school.
Heart of Midlothian Education and Community Trust chairman Campbell Ogilvie commented:
“Heart of Midlothian Football Club recognises the importance of healthy lifestyles and the need for a comprehensive education in young people. The Heart of Midlothian Education and Community Trust was created to form partnerships, and create initiatives that will assist organisations that work with young people and adults in our community.”
The launch of a Breakfast Club initiative for the City of Edinburgh is the single biggest project that the Heart of Midlothian Education and Community Trust has been involved in since its inception just over one year ago.
Mr Ogilvie added:
“We are delighted that AEGON will be working with us as the main sponsor for the initiative. The combined efforts of different organisations can only be of benefit in ensuring that the best possible provision is delivered to improve communities, supporting individuals and maximise potential. We are looking forward to working with AEGON, the City of Edinburgh Council and further local sponsors to develop a network of Breakfast Clubs for primary schools across the capital.
AEGON,UK, Human Resources Director Sandy Begbie says,
“Providing young children with a proper breakfast before they start the school day goes a long way to helping them achieve more in the classroom. The Breakfast Clubs initiative is designed to help Edinburgh’s school children be the best they can be and AEGON is delighted to be one of the founder sponsors of such a worthwhile project.
“We hope other businesses will get involved as local sponsors as the project develops. This is a fantastic way to contribute to the local community and help build brighter futures for Edinburgh’s school children.”
Minister for Children and Early Years Adam Ingram will attend today’s launch at Clovenstone Primary School He said:
"A nutritious breakfast gets kids off to a good start every day, giving them plenty of energy for their schoolwork and games at playtime too."
Notes to Editors
Within this launch pack there is detailed information about the rationale and ideals behind the development of Breakfast Clubs in Edinburgh.
Information about the Heart of Midlothian Education and Community Trust
The Heart of Midlothian Education and Community Trust was launched in September 2006 at Pirniehall and St David’s Primary Schools.
The Trust is a registered charity and has five pillars of activity:
- Developing grassroots sport
- Supporting club development
- Encouraging healthy lifestyles
- Improving numeracy/literacy
- Tackling anti-social behaviour and enhancing community safety
The Heart of Midlothian Education and Community Trust has enjoyed much success in its first year:
- Created positive links and partnerships with local authorities in Edinburgh, Fife, East Lothian, Midlothian, West Lothian and Scottish Border’s
- Developed a comprehensive football participation programme throughout Edinburgh and The Lothian’s resulting in hundreds of youngsters performing on a regular basis.
- Delivered the Support Employment Initiative in partnership with Jobcentre Plus, Careers Scotland and Jewell & Esk Valley College to support those not in employment education or training (NEET).
Information about AEGON:
AEGON is one of the UK’s leading providers of long-term savings, owner of the AEGON Scottish Equitable brand and employing over 4,500 staff across the UK, including 3,000 in its UK headquarters at Edinburgh Park. The AEGON group is one of the world’s largest insurers, with assets under management of £245 billion.
In the UK AEGON offer pensions, investments, life insurance, asset management and financial advice to corporate and individual customers.
For further information:
Heart of Midlothian Education and Community Trust / Heart of Midlothian Football Club
Alan White, Community Development Manager - 0131 200 7265
Karen McKendrick, AEGON Breakfast Club Coordinator - 0131 200 7218
David Southern, Marketing and Communications Director and Education and Community Trust Trustee, 0131 200 7207
The City of Edinburgh Council
The City of Edinburgh Council Communications - Joyce Nisbet – 0131 469 3134
Interested in becoming involved?
If you are a business interested in becoming involved sponsoring a local breakfast club within any school in the City of Edinburgh contact Karen McKendrick on 0131 200 7265 to be invited to our ‘second launch’ at Tynecastle Stadium in October when more detail will be revealed.
Lesley McPherson