MEND
MEND Programme helps children
get fitter, healthier and happier
A programme aimed at helping overweight children manage their weight is in Blaenau Gwent.
The MEND Programme (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition…Do it!) is part of a national initiative offering free healthy lifestyle courses for overweight 7 to 13 year olds and their families in more than 250 locations across the UK.
This is the first time that it has been available to families in Wales. The course, consists of fun 2-hour sessions, twice a week for 10 weeks. The Programme helps improve eating and exercise habits. Thanks to funding from the Welsh Assembly Government, 15 places on each course worth up to £400 per child are being offered to families completely free of charge on a first come first served basis. Youngsters, 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 bgaining in self esteem and confidence. Claire Baber, children’s dietician and MEND Programme Manager for Blaenau Gwent says, “The MEND Programme can really change families’ lives. We very much hope families will take up the chance to improve their health with this fantastic free course.” Places on the MEND Programme are being allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Families interested in participating should contact:
Claire Baber
Tel.: 01873 732620
or
Yvonne Edmunds
Tel.: 01495 356729
www.mendprogramme.org and click on ‘Join a MEND Programme’. Please note a parent or carer must accompany each child to every session.