Families offered MEND programme to help tackle weight management

Carmarthenshire County Council is hosting a MEND programme at each of the four main leisure centres, starting on October 31.

The programme is available for families with children aged between seven and 13 and covers a range of topics in a child-friendly way to help improve their food and exercise habits.

It takes place over eight weeks, and consists of weekly two-hour sessions.

Sessions include an educational component for both children and parents covering topics such as portion sizes and fats and sugars.

This is followed by an activity session for the child, whilst parents are invited to discuss a range of topics such as triggers for unhealthy eating.

Simon Davies MEND Project Manager: “The MEND programme offers a friendly, relaxed atmosphere to encourage children to become more active, and show parents how they can be supportive as a whole family in making healthier choices and adopting an active lifestyle.

“It also offers help to improve eating and exercise habits, thereby improving children’s fitness, physical activity levels, nutrition and self-esteem.”

The courses are being held in Llanelli, Carmarthen, Ammanford and Newcastle Emlyn Leisure Centres.

Places are limited, and will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cllr Pat Jones, Executive Board Member for Health and Social Care, said: “These programmes are an ideal way to introduce new healthy eating and exercise habits in a friendly environment where families can work with, and learn from, others who are in a similar position.”

Call 01269 590266 for further information.