Ag Súgradh Le Chéile (ASLC)

The programme is jointly managed by the Donegal Sports Partnership (DSP) and Health Promotion & Improvement, HSE West and is delivered in schools across Donegal, particularly those that have been designated disadvantaged under the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) scheme.

ASLC targets children in the junior infant class through to second class and their parents, and is hosted by the school for a period of 90 minutes. School promotional materials, including an information leaflet & letter for parents, are distributed to all primary schools at the start of each academic year. A school can request a workshop by completing the Expression of Interest form and returning it to the Donegal Sports Partnership. Available tutors are then appointed to the workshop. During the 90 minute workshop, the emphasis is on teaching and encouraging parents to play actively with their child/children and for parents to encourage their child/children to play actively on their own. Parents participate with their children in a variety of activities including ball games, music, rhyme and traditional games. At the end of the ASLC workshop, several key Health Promotion & Improvement messages, including healthy eating and physical activity literature, are disseminated to the adult who accompanies the child at the workshop. There is also an opportunity for discussion with tutors. The workshop is facilitated by trained tutors who have experience in both working with children and parents and also active play or physical activity. Continued support is provided for tutors and regular contact takes place between the Donegal Sports Partnership and tutors.