re you worried about your child’s weight or eating habits? If so, Swindon Borough Council currently runs two FREE healthy lifestyle programmes during term-time for children aged 0-16 years and their parents and carers, to encourage children and young people to become fitter, healthier and happier:


Healthy Steps is an 8 week course for parents and carers of children aged 0-5 years old. Each 2 hour session consists of 1 hour of education, where parents learn about healthy eating, activity and parenting, and 1 hour in a practical cookery


workshop, where parents learn how to cook healthy food on a budget.


Alternatively, MEND is a 10 week course for children and young people aged 5-16 years old whose weight is above the healthy range for their age and height. Each 2 hour session consists of a 1 hour healthy-eating workshop and 1 hour of fun physical activity. MEND encourages families to become fitter, healthier and happier by helping them make gradual changes to the food they eat and the physical activity they take.


As a parent you always want the very best for your children. Giving them a healthy start has such an important role to play in ensuring they grow and develop into healthy and happy adults. Two of the best ways to stay healthy are: 1) to eat a balanced diet, by eating five portions of fruit & vegetables every day and limiting the amount of sugary snacks and drinks you consume, and 2) to be active as a family by walking and cycling whenever possible and by limiting screen time


(television and computer games).


If you are interested in learning more about healthy eating, cooking and being active as a family please contact: Emma Sperring, Healthy Weight Project Officer, on 01793 465412 or 07818 510563. Small Steps 6


Become a fit & healthy family in Swindon A


Some of the comments made by families that have attended Healthy Steps and MEND;


‘Learning about portion sizes was an eye opener. It was also really helpful to talk to other parents and the course leaders, sharing ideas and healthy recipes.’


‘I have gained confidence when cooking for my family; I have added lots of new ingredients to my shopping basket and have started experimenting with new flavours.’


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