Hitachi Construction Machinery UK Supports Healthy Living in South Tyneside

At Hitachi Construction Machinery UK, charity embodies their core values of integrity and people, reflecting their belief in supporting communities and enabling their team to make a positive impact in the lives of others in line with their social commitments. In support of the South Tyneside Pledge goal to reduce health inequalities, HCMUK sponsored ten Primary School’s in South Tyneside, local to their headquarters in Hebburn, to receive The Newcastle Eagles Foundation, Hoops4Health programme.

Councillor Margaret Melling from South Tyneside Council commented, “We are very lucky to have a global firm Hitachi in the borough, this is just one of the many ways in which they continue to give back to the communities from which they draw their workforce.”

Margaret continued, “This generous donation will provide a fun and inspiring programme to ten local primary schools, encouraging lots of our young people to take part in physical activity. The use of Eagles players really helps to send such important messages about the importance of keeping physically active and leading a healthy lifestyle. Thank you, Hitachi!”

The schools that participated in the programme were recommended by the Newcastle Eagles Foundation and South Tyneside Council. According to the South Tyneside Council Annual Report 2024, both child and adult obesity rates in South Tyneside are significantly higher than the national average. Additionally, nearly half of South Tyneside’s population resides in the 20% most deprived areas in England.

By sponsoring the programme in ten primary schools, HCMUK enabled hundreds of South Tyneside students to benefit from the health living programme delivered by the Newcastle Eagles Community Foundation, a highly reputable registered charity with objectives in place to offer what was not available to young people previously; a player pathway for all.

The Hoops4Health healthy living programme uses basketball to convey a range of positive health messages to young people and is delivered in stages:

Stage 1: Roadshow – Concentrating on mental and social well-being, how to stay fit and look after the heart and lungs, stay hydrated, and how to eat healthy, plus the opportunity to play some basketball. Jade Hucks, HCMUK’s Corporate Social Responsibility Coordinator, attended the Roadshow at Hadrian Primary School in South Shields to watch from the sidelines and speak with Mr S Brown, Headteacher about the Hoops4Health initiative.

Mr Brown, Headteacher of Hadrian Primary School said, “The Newcastle Eagles Hoops4Health programme is a brilliant initiative. Not only does it link into the curriculum and promote healthy living and lifestyles, it also gives children the opportunity to take part in fun and exciting physical activities and educational workshops. Having Eagles players teaching the sessions not only provides great role models for the children, it also adds a little bit of magic to the event, which will long in the memories of our children!”

Stage 2: Coaching – A level 2 qualified Eagles Community Foundation coach delivers4 hours of basketball for year 5 pupils.

Stage 3: Regional Tournaments – All schools enter a tournament held at a local facility for Year 5. Tournaments on average can host up to 300 – 400 participants in a one-day competition, each local authority area receives at least one tournament. Jade also attended this event to watch the children in action and to present the £5,000 donation to Susan Hunter, Chief Operating Officer at Eagles Community Foundation.

Stage 4: Tournament Finals – Tournament semi-finals are held at Eagles' home venue, the Vertu Motors Arena, during pre-game and half-time of an Eagle home game.

Susan Hunter, Chief Operating Officer of Newcastle Eagles Foundation commented, "We are so grateful to have such a huge and well-known company come on board with us to help us deliver healthy living messages to primary school children.  At the Foundation we aim to educate children into living healthy lifestyles as a preventative measure and having the support from Hitachi has made this attainable for us in South Tyneside.  It is clear that Hitachi have a real connection with their community and have been very hands on with the delivery of this programme.  As a Foundation we do not receive any core funding and so we are extremely appreciative to Hitachi for enabling us to carry out the work that we are so passionate about.  We look forward to working with Hitachi again on this project."

This initiative is a testament to HCMUK's continued commitment to improving the health and well-being of local communities. By supporting the Hoops4Health programme, HCMUK is not only helping to address health inequalities but also empowering young people in South Tyneside to lead healthier, more active lives. HCMUK is proud to sponsor the Newcastle Eagles Community Foundation and looks forward to seeing the lasting impact this program will have on the students and the community for years to come.

For more information about Hitachi Construction Machinery UK and their commitment to community support, please visit https://www.hitachicm.com/gb/en/about-us/csr/social/.