Helping Overweight Kids in Havant

With one in three children in Havant above a healthy weight, the MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition...Do it!) Programme aims to help local children become fitter, healthier and happier whilst having fun.

At the 10-week after school programme, which will be held at Padnell Infant School, local children aged between seven and 13 and their parents will learn about healthy eating and how to enjoy physical activity. The free course, which was devised by child health experts at Great Ormond Street Hospital and is funded by The Big Lottery, also includes a visit to the local supermarket where the children and their parents will learn how to read food labels.

Jo Cook, MEND's Regional Manager for Havant, said: "Families who have done the MEND Programme have had a great deal of success and it changes families' lives. Children become healthier and fitter and their self esteem and confidence increase greatly. We are committed to giving families in Havant the chance to improve their health with this fun free course."

The MEND Programme consists of two hourly sessions twice a week over a 10 week period. Each session includes a one hour interactive workshop for children and parents, and a one hour fun physical activity session for the children whilst the parents have an adult discussion.

An independent study published in Obesity Journal last month found that children who attended the MEND Programme experienced long-term health benefits, including sustained weight loss and improvements in cardiovascular fitness and self-esteem.

For more information or to register for the MEND Programme at Padnell Infant School call freephone 0800 230 0263, e-mail info@mendcentral.org, or visit www.mendcentral.org