The MEND programme (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do it! In Hampshire 1 in 4 year 6s are overweight. Public Health have commissioned the MEND to support families with overweight or obese children aged between 7-13 years old. The group sessions are fun and interactive, promote a healthy lifestyle and address issues arising from being overweight. Detail:
The programme empowers parents and children to: • take the fuss out of food • be active and learn fun ways to play • learn how to stop temper tantrums • learn to read food labels • learn how to set goals and rewards to encourage healthy behaviour • take early action to avoid later problems with a child s weight • The School Family Support Worker can refer families to the FREE programme • Families can self-refer directly to their local Programme Manager (ask the Family Support Worker for details). Eligibility criteria: • families whose children are resident in or attend a school • located within the area covered by Hampshire County Council • child aged between 7 and 13 years old • child s BMI above the 91st centile (UK 1990 BMI charts) • family must demonstrate a readiness to change. Further information about your local programme contact Alison Lee, Family Support Worker Or visit www.mendcentral.org