Fighting the flab in five-year-olds

Jan 9 2009 by Katie Campling, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

The free Mend course shows the family as a whole how to live healthily and gets them used to eating right and taking regular exercise.

Families will take part in fun sessions lasting 1hr 45min, once a week for 10 weeks.

Rather than just focusing on weight loss, the Mend programme uses interactive games to teach children and parents weight management skills.

The sessions will encourage parents to prepare fresh food and try new games or exercises with their children.

Organisers hope the result will be healthier families and children who have shrunk their waistlines but grown in self-esteem and confidence.

Clr Liz Smaje, Kirklees’s Cabinet member for leisure and neighbourhood services, said: “The Mend programme can really change families’ lives. It offers a friendly, relaxed atmosphere to encourage children to give new things a go and shows parents and carers how they can be supportive.

“Children will become healthier, fitter and happier. I urge families to take the chance to improve their health with this fantastic free course.”

Children can be referred to the scheme by GPs, school nurses or their parents. But only 16 children can be on the course at a time and it is run on a first come, first served basis.

Young Pals has Lottery cash, but there has been no extra money for Mend.

If it is a success the council will be seeking funding to expand it across Kirklees.

Families interested in taking part can contact the Physical Activity Development Team on 01484 234096 or visit the website www.mendprogramme.org