Halt Child Obesity in West Cornwall - News - Penwith School Sport Partnership

Halt Child Obesity in West Cornwall

KEEP IT in the family

 Halting the rise in childhood obesity in West Cornwall

We are writing to ask you if you have any children who you feel would benefit from the “KEEP IT in the family” programme.

The aim of the programme is to halt the rise in childhood obesity, focusing on 7-13 year olds, and their families, in West Cornwall.  The families will be provided with regular physical activity, as well as healthy lifestyle and healthy eating education.

The programme runs from January 2010 – July 2010 and will begin by running a 10 week MEND programme (see www.mendprogramme.org for more information).

The programme will be free for the families to take part in but will require a high level of commitment, particularly with regards to time.

We would value your support of the programme and encourage you to refer any children who are between the ages of 7-13 and with a BMI centile ≥ 91st centile (i.e. overweight or obese).

The successful outcome of the ‘KEEP IT in the family’ programme will be that the whole family benefits, and supports each others throughout the programme, and that they all go on to lead and sustain a healthier, happier and more active lifestyle.

We will be sending you some more information, leaflets and referral forms following this email.  In the meantime, if you have any questions regarding this programme please do not hesitate to contact us at the Health Promotion Service.

Kate Dann & Amy Bromfield

01209 313419

Eatsome Community WorkerNHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

Health Promotion Service

The Kernow Building

Wilson Way

Pool, Redruth

TR15 3QE

' 01209 216967 7 01209 314491

@ www.eatsomegoodfood.org * amy.bromfield@ciospct.cornwall.nhs.ukP Before printing, think about the environment

PRESS RELEASE:

New Council and NHS get together with local community company to tackle family obesity

A new free project aimed at providing a fun and friendly approach to helping local families feel healthy by being more active and eating an improved diet is being launched in West Cornwall (Hayle).

The programme will help enable families with concerns about being overweight or inactive to join in a free life changing 6 month programme.

Felicity Owen, Director of Public Health, said "Being a healthy weight is an important part of everyone's health and wellbeing.

This project shows that it only takes small changes to make a difference and often these are based on fun activities like outdoor play or trying tasty new foods.

Being overweight increases your risk of serious illness like heart disease or diabetes but by supporting gradual change we can help families develop their own new healthier routines."

Niky Dix, Exhale director said,

“We have just finished a successful pilot programme in the Wadebridge area and are currently working in Bodmin and can’t wait to get the project running in the West. We will be using locals to help us deliver the work which will incorporate a specialist ‘MEND’ aspect designed by experts from Great Ormond street in London along with activities aimed at re-introducing families to the local coast and countryside and a fresh approach to eating habits”

The roll out of the programme is in line with the national advertising campaign ‘Change 4 Life’ and is part of the government’s drive to improve the nation’s health.

Cllr Neil Burden, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, commented:

 “this is a great project and will certainly help contribute to tackling a complex issue. The health of our community is a focus for our new council and it is hoped that we can continue to work closely with the NHS and local community companies and take a lead in addressing obesity and help improve people’s lives”

The programme starts at Hayle Community School, at the end of January. Families that would like to find out more about taking part can contact Kate Dann or Amy Bromfield on 01209 313419 or email ‘kate.dann@ciospct.cornwall.nhs.uk’.

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