2 Febraury 2009, 09/19
Free health initiative to tackle childhood
obesity
Overweight children can get fitter, happier and healthier with a
brand new initiative that is about to be launched in West
Lancashire.
West Lancashire Community Leisure Trust has secured funding to
run a national programme called MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do
it), to tackle childhood obesity.
Starting in February, it is a free healthy lifestyle course for
overweight 7 to 13 year olds and their families to take part in
over a 10-week period. Those who attend will be given an exercise
programme, nutritional advice and support to help them overcome
weight, fitness and self-esteem issues. By involving families they
can also learn practical ways to address childhood obesity
together.
The long-term aim is for the children and their parents to
maintain their new healthy lifestyles for the rest of their
lives.
Bill Lloyd, Chairman of the Leisure Trust, said:"We’re delighted
that we have secured funding to run the MEND programme over the
next two years because it will bring so many benefits to those who
take part. Rather than focusing on weight loss, it teaches children
and their parents weight management skills. It inspires families to
adopt a healthier lifestyle, such as healthy shopping on a budget,
and makes exercising fun again - especially for children who are
not fans of traditional school sports."
West Lancashire Community Leisure Trust are working in
partnership with a number of local agencies to deliver this
project, including NHS Central Lancashire Primary Care Trust,
Homestart and other local agencies.
The first course starting in February is being run from Nye
Bevan Pool and Glenburn Sports College. After the first one, a
further six courses will take place over the next two years.
For further details about this exciting programme and how to
enrol, please contact 01704 895266.
Why not visit your local centre and experience the health
benefits of exercising for yourself. The leisure centres are: Park
Pool, Park Road, Ormskirk (01695 576325); Nye Bevan Pool, Southway,
Skelmersdale (01695 727111); Burscough Fitness and Racquets Leisure
Centre, Bobby Langton Way, Burscough (01704 895266); Banks Leisure
Centre, Greaves Hall Avenue, Banks (01704 212970); and Skelmersdale
Sports Centre, Digmoor Road, Skelmersdale (01695 723777). For a
full list of activities at the centres, visit www.westlancsleisure.com
(external link).
Saving money…
During February, the Trust is also launching a money-saving
promotion for hiring the indoor activity courts. It’s ‘buy one get
one free’ if you book a squash, badminton or football session
off-peak. The offer is being run at Skelmersdale and Burscough if
you book a court off-peak before 5pm Mondays to Fridays.
Related information