Colchester United FCFamilies get Healthy Together
Healthy Together is run by Colchester United Community Sports Trust, and encourages parents and children to work together to get fit and active.
The programme has been running for two years with sessions ranging from fun games that families can play at home to helping parents find ways to encourage their children to eat more healthily.
The families also found out more about food labelling, portion sizes and advice on how food can affect your mood.
Vanessa Osborn, CUCST’s Healthy Activity Co-ordinator for Families, explained: “Healthy Together is about offering families the help and support they need to make a positive change to their lifestyles. The families have been absolutely brilliant and you can already see the difference the programme has made to how they feel and how active they are. They are walking and cycling more and have been really supportive to each other throughout the programme. They are all fantastic examples of how simple changes can result in real improvements to your health.”
The 8 week programme is perfect for families with children aged 4 to 7-years-old, though children of other ages can also be involved.
Each session offers fun, games and physical activities for children with practical tips and healthy eating advice for parents.
Everyone gets the chance to take part in cook and eat taster sessions as well as confidence and relationship building activities.
Participants receive goodie bags, prizes and special incentives such as Colchester United Football Club match tickets.
The programme received support from NHS North East Essex nutritionists and The Ministry of Parenting which offered advice to the parents around food and activity levels.
To celebrate their success the families were awarded certificates and medals and enjoyed a game of tenpin bowling and a picnic in the park.
Healthy Together will be running at St. Andrews Junior School in Hickory Avenue, Colchester in October 2010 (dates to be confirmed) and St. Andrews Primary School, Weeley in January 2011 (dates to be confirmed) with places still available.
To find out more or to book a place call 01206 572378 or email info@cucst.org.uk
Vanessa added: “We would love to hear from any schools who would like to host the programme in the future.”
