MEND in Fenland

Leisure Team facilitate Childhood Obesity Programme in Whittlesey, Wisbech & March

Childhood obesity is becoming an increasing important issue in our local communities. If current UK trends continue, one fifth of boys and one third of girls will be obese by 2020. However, the government has set the ambitious target to reduce the year on year increase in obesity amongst children by 2010. This goal has been adopted in the local area agreement by ourselves in Fenland District Council and our partner organisations in Cambridgeshire.

The MEND Programme is a community, family-based programme for overweight and obese children aged between 7-13 and their families. The multi-disciplinary programme places equal emphasis on (M)ind, (E)xercise and (N)utrition. It combines all the elements known to be vital in treating and preventing overweight or obesity in children, including family involvement, practical education in nutrition and diet, increasing physical activity and behavioural change. With an emphasis on practical, fun learning the programme is designed to deliver sustained improvements in families' diets, fitness levels and overall health.

The Programme consists of 20 sessions (twice a week for 2 hours/session).

Programme highlights include:

• Weekly games, activities and swimming for kids.
• Learning that being active can be a lot of fun!
• Fun, interactive discussions that will teach you easy, effective ways to improve your child's behaviour and improve his/her self-confidence.
• Practical demonstrations, games and tips about healthy foods, label reading and portion sizes

There is even a fun supermarket tour and a chance to try delicious new foods!

How do I know if I qualify?

Although there is no cost to attend the programme, we will need to assess whether your child qualifies based on their age, weight and health.

The next MEND programmes in Fenland will commence at our three leisure centres in September/October 2008 as follows: 

George Campbell Leisure Centre, March - Fri 3rd October - Sat 13th December - 2 sessions/week on Mondays (3.45pm) & Fridays (3.30pm)

Manor Leisure Centre, Whittlesey - Mon 29th September - Wed 10th December - 2 sessions/week on Mondays & Wednesdays (4-6pm)

Hudson Leisure Centre, Wisbech - Mon 29th September - Wed 10th December - 2 sessions/week on Mondays & Wednesdays (3.45pm)

Call the MEND team on 0870 609 1405 to see whether your child qualifies and to get more details on how to register. Alternatively, contact Sarah Davies, Programme Manager on 01354 622517 or e-mail sdavies@fenland.gov.uk