MEND Programme helps local children and families to fight obesity

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Do you have children between 7 and 13 years old?  Are you worried they might be overweight or unhealthy?  Then join the MEND Programme.

Overweight and obese children from Rochdale Borough are being offered an opportunity to take up free places on the MEND Programme – an active, fun-based course which improves health, fitness and well being. The out-of-school programme starts in September and will take place at Middleton Leisure Centre.  It is being offered free of charge to participating families thanks to funding from the Big Lottery, Wellbeing Fund and will be delivered by qualified staff from Heywood, Middleton amp; Rochdale PCT and Link4Life, the Rochdale Boroughwide Cultural Trust.

Suitable for children between the ages of 7 and 13 accompanied by a parent or carer, the MEND programme was set up in response to the growing concern over children’s health.  30 per cent of children in the Rochdale Borough are estimated to be overweight or obese, and being overweight puts children at risk of serious health problems, including diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. 

MEND stands for (M)ind, (E)xercise, (N)utrition, (D)o it!  Delivered over two sessions a week for nine weeks, the pioneering programme involves the whole family.  It was developed by experts at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital and the Institute of Child Health to help kids become healthier, fitter and more self-confident.  Supervised by qualified MEND trainers, it aims to improve the entire family’s eating and exercise habits. 

Research has proved that the MEND Programme has impressive, lasting results.  A study involving more than 100 children found that a full 12 months after completing the programme, children had lost weight, were fitter and were being more physically active as well as feeling more confident.

As well as showing that an active lifestyle can be fun, the programme helps families learn to cut fat and sugar in their diet, how to read labels, control portion sizes, set goals and rewards, tell the difference between hunger and cravings and increase their self-confidence.  Activities on the MEND Programme include games, nutrition sessions, a supermarket tour, a recipe-tasting evening and fun group activities. 

According to Rebecca Caygill, MEND Programme Manager: “We’re looking for local families to come on the programme and work together to tackle their weight problems.  It’s a fantastic opportunity for children to get in better shape and lay the foundations for a much healthier life.”

If you would like to signing up for the MEND Programme or want more information,  contact Rebecca Caygill Programme manager by email: rebecca.caygill @hmrpct.nhs.uk or on 07969 148454 or visit the website: www.mendprogramme.org