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A national healthy living programme is making a real difference to young people living in Spelthorne by teaching them how to eat and live more healthily. Eight young people have completed the MEND Scheme (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition…Do it).
The scheme is for young people aged 7-13 who would like to adopt a healthier lifestyle. It is being run by Spelthorne Borough Council in partnership with Surrey Primary Care Trust and has received funding from the Big Lottery.
The young people and their parents attended MEND twice a week. They learnt about healthy eating and took part in organised physical activity sessions and active games. The scheme included a supermarket trip, where they had lots of fun learning about food labelling and choosing healthier foods. They also took part in a cook and eat evening led by Sainsburys, where the young people learnt how to cook `MEND friendly’ food. They worked very hard to achieve nutrition and physical activity targets each week and have all gained health benefits from the scheme and they have all met new friends. The Mayor presented their graduation certificates at the council offices in July.
Councillor Denise Grant, Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People said “It is encouraging to see that these young people have taken steps to adopt a healthier lifestyle. I congratulate them on their achievements and wish them well for the future.”
The next MEND scheme will start in late September and will run on a Monday and Thursday evening 6.15 – 8.15pm. There is no cost to attend the programme, but we will need to assess whether a child qualifies, based on their age, weight and health.
If your child would like to attend the September scheme, please contact Lisa Stonehouse on 01784 446431 or leisure@spelthorne.gov.uk.
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