A NATIONAL programme aimed at helping overweight children manage their weight is coming to Warrington.
The MEND programme (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition…Do it!) is part of a nationwide initiative offering free healthy lifestyle courses for overweight 7 to 13 year olds and their families in more than 250 locations across the UK.
Warrington Schools Sports Partnership and Total Fitness are working in partnership to run the courses, which start at the end of this month. Families take part in fun 2-hour sessions twice a week, in the evenings, for 10 weeks.
The programme helps them improve their eating and exercise habits, improving children’s fitness, physical activity levels, nutrition and self-esteem. Thanks to funding from Youth Sport Trust and Warrington NHS, 12 places on the course, worth up to £400 per child, are being offered to families completely free of charge on a first come first served basis.
The MEND programme is the UK’s largest healthy lifestyle programme for overweight children and their parents.
Rather than focusing on weight loss, the programme uses a practical interactive learning approach to teach children and parents weight management skills. This includes inspiring families to adopt a healthier lifestyle and enjoy preparing and eating healthy foods as well as reading food labels and healthy shopping on a budget. There are also simple but exciting sessions which focus on making exercise fun again – especially for children who are not fans of traditional school sports.
The MEND programme has proven results. Youngsters who take part change body shape, reduce their waistlines and achieve a healthier weight for their age and height, which results not only in them being healthier and fitter but also gaining in self esteem and confidence.
Places on the MEND programme are being giving away on a first come, first served basis. Families interested in participating should contact Alison Walters on 01925 443915 or visit www.mendprogramme.org and click on ‘Join a MEND Programme’. A parent or carer must accompany each child to every session.
A NATIONAL programme aimed at helping overweight children manage their weight is coming to Warrington.
Help for overweight children
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
