Free places on scheme to help kids get fit

Date published: 28 January 2010

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 first successful course in Bury which ran from September 2009, more courses are planned for 2010 and parents of eligible children are urged to sign up, as places are limited on this fun, free programme that really works.

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.

“Previous families on the course have had a great deal of success and it changes families’ lives. Children become healthier and fitter and we have seen their self esteem and confidence increase greatly” says Programme Manager, David Wood. “We are committed to offering families in Bury the chance to improve their health with this fantastic free course.”

Places on the MEND Programme are available for free to eligible families, thanks to Big Lottery Funding and are offered on a first come, first served basis. For more information or to register for the Programme simply call freephone 0800 230 0263.