08 February 2012Families in the District have a unique opportunity to take part in a fun after school programme to help them get fitter, healthier and happier, when MEND comes to the District for the first time later this year.
MEND is a free ten week after school healthy living programme, for children aged seven to 13 and their families, to help children who are above a healthy weight learn how to make healthier choices and get active together with help.
The programme will offer simple but exciting sessions to make exercise fun, especially for children who are not fans of traditional school sports. A mix of fun water and land based activities will run for two hours, two days a week for ten weeks. The sessions will run at venues in Swanley, Sevenoaks and Edenbridge. A parent or carer is expected to attend each session.
The MEND programme is the UK's largest healthy lifestyle programme for overweight children and their parents, running in over 250 locations nationally. The programme is a nationally recognised initiative, developed by Great Ormond Street Hospital and the Institute of Child Health, and is a proven way to get families fitter, healthier and happier. The programme locally is coordinated by Sevenoaks District Council in partnership with NHS West Kent.
Cllr Pat Bosley, Sevenoaks District Council's Cabinet Memeber with responsibility for healthy living, Says: "I'm delighted that Sevenoaks District has the opportunity to host this amazing programme for the first time. Young people who take part change body shape, reduce their waistlines and achieve a healthier weight for their age and height, which results not only in them being healthier and fitter but also gaining in self-esteem and confidence. Places should be booked in advance to avoid disappointment."
Carole Eastwood, Public Health Practitioner for NHS West Kent, adds: "NHS West Kent is pleased to work with Sevenoaks District Council to provide this fantastic fun and free opportunity for families to improve their children's health, fitness and the way they feel about their bodies to help prevent health issues in the future."
Places are limited for each programme and should be booked in advance. The first programme is due to start in September, further details will be advised when registering. For information on booking a place visit www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/mend or telephone 01732 227000.
