08 February 2012Families living in Swanley can now apply for the first ever MEND session, starting in the town from September, to give children a chance to become fitter, healthier and happier.
MEND is for children aged seven to 13 and is a free after-school healthy living programme. The course aims to help children above a healthy weight, and their families, to learn how to improve their eating habits, fitness and the way they feel about their bodies through fun and interactive weekly group sessions. Each session is delivered by MEND trained exercise instructors and nutritionists.
The first MEND course will take place at White Oak Leisure Centre and consists of two free sessions a week, for ten weeks. The first session will start on Monday 27 September and the second session will take place on Wednesday 29 September. All sessions last for two hours starting from 6pm and finishing at 8pm.
The programme will involve hall and water based activities and games and gives families a chance to try new, healthy foods. When a child registers and attends the first session they will receive a free MEND goodie-bag.
Entry is free but places must be booked in advance as spaces are limited. A parent or carer is expected to attend each session.
Cllr Pat Bosley, Sevenoaks District Council's Cabinet member with responsibility for healthy living, says: "This programme aims to help families change their eating and exercise habits to help improve their child’s physical activity levels, nutrition and self-esteem. The whole course is free and is an opportunity not to be missed."
The programme is locally coordinated by Sevenoaks District Council in partnership with NHS West Kent and is nationally developed by Great Ormond Street Hospital and the Institute of Child Health.
For more information visit www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/mend or to book a place call 01732 227000 or e-mail healthyliving@sevenoaks.gov.uk.
