26th  January 2009
For immediate release

An initiative that helps youngsters lead a healthier and fitter lifestyle is launching again next month.

MEND – Mind, Exercise, Nutrition… Do It! – is aimed at youngsters aged between seven and 13 who may be above their ideal weight and provides them with an opportunity to try fun, physical activities and learn about the healthiest foods to eat.

There are places available for 10 youngsters on the free scheme which is being hosted at John Cabot Academy every Tuesday and Wednesday, from 6pm until 8pm, for 10 weeks from February 3. Each session lasts for two hours and parents or carers have to attend as well.

When youngsters attend they will they will take part in physical activities, such as dancing or multi-skill games. They are also educated, along with their families, through friendly talks about healthy eating, including advice on how to read food labels.

So far two MEND programmes have taken place in South Gloucestershire.

Many of the youngsters who have attended have got fitter, have been able to manage their weight, are more confident and eat healthier foods.

Five more – including the one at John Cabot Academy – are planned by 2010.

Once youngsters have attended a MEND programme, they are able to go along to the ‘graduate scheme.’ This involves a weekly session to help to help keep youngsters and their families active. They also receive a graduate newsletter to keep them up to date regarding developments about MEND and provide ongoing advice.

Councillor Heather Goddard, executive member for communities, said: “MEND is a worthwhile initiative that helps youngsters in the district lead a healthier and fitter lifestyle. When they complete the course the young people and their parents or carers can continue to get ongoing help and support.”

MEND is a national programme and is run in South Gloucestershire by the council, and supported by NHS South Gloucestershire.

Nicola Ravenscroft, NHS South Gloucestershire’s Lead for Obesity, “Action to tackle obesity, particularly in children, is a high priority for NHS South Gloucestershire and the Council. We know that by the time children are in their final year of primary school in South Gloucestershire, one in four of them is either overweight or very overweight. We work in partnership through a combination of approaches, like running MEND and also by encouraging families to sign up to Change4Life, the recently launched national campaign which aims to improve children’s diets and levels of activity.”

MEND is funded nationally by a range of organisations, including the Big Lottery Fund and the National Sports Foundation, and locally by the council.

If you are interested in finding out more information on attending the forthcoming MEND programme in South Gloucestershire, please contact Joanna Steeds on 01454 862296, or email Joanna.steeds@southglos.gov.uk.

Change4Life can also help with tips and advice. Go to: www.nhs.uk/change4life

Notes to Editors

For all media enquiries please contact:
Ryan Skeets
Tel: 01454 863891
Fax: 01454 865046
Email: ryan.skeets@southglos.gov.uk
www.southglos.gov.uk

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