Press release
Free places on scheme to help kids get fit
Children and families in Bury are being offered the opportunity to become fitter, healthier and happier through a free family focussed initiative.
Known as ‘MEND’ which stands for Mind, Exercise, Nutrition…Do it! The 10 week course aims to help more families on their way to a healthier and happier lifestyle. The MEND Programme is targeted at children between the ages of 7 and 13 who are over the healthy weight range for their age and height.
Funded by The Big Lottery Fund, it is the largest national scheme for tackling childhood overweight and obesity, and aims to get children more healthy and active, with the support of their parents or carers.
Following hot on the heels of the earlier courses in Bury, more courses are planned and parents of eligible children are urged to sign up for this fun, free programme that really works.
MEND is linked closely to the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP). The NCMP involves children in Reception Year and Year 6 being weighed and measured at school. Parents of eligible children receive more information about this programme before their child is measured. The next set of measurements will take place early in the New Year. The information is used by the NHS to plan and provide better health services for children, and MEND is an excellent example of this.
MEND courses are run after school, twice a week for 10 weeks. Sessions on the course aim to get the whole family involved in helping children to change their eating and exercise habits, while learning about nutrition, with a view to improving overall health, fitness and wellbeing for years to come.
As well as finding out about the foods our bodies need to stay healthy, children take part in exciting games and activities and learn how to get fit by being creative with what they do. Everyone has a fun and rewarding time and the whole family benefits.
Stefan Taylor, Health Improvement Specialist - Healthy Weight and Physical Activity for NHS Bury said: “We’ve had some really great feedback from families who have taken part in the course, and we’ve seen lots of success. MEND can really change families’ lives, children become healthier and fitter and we have seen their self esteem and confidence increase as a result. Not to mention the positive impact on the whole family. MEND gives families the chance to improve their health and there is no cost. It’s a really great opportunity and I’d urge eligible families to book a place.”
Places on the MEND programme are available for free to eligible families, for more information or to register for the Programme call 0161 762 7342.
ENDS
Date: 22 November 2010
FOR PRESS & MEDIA ENQUIRIES: contact Caroline Dearden, Corporate Communications Manager on 0161 762 3106 or email communications@bury.nhs.uk