Wyre 'healthy' scheme given thumbs up

7:41am Thursday 15th May 2008

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A programme to help children in Wyre become healthier and happier has been hailed as a huge success.

The Mind, Exercise, Nutrition . . . Do it (Mend) programme is a 10-week course aimed at overweight or obese seven to 13-year-olds and their parents.

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The first 10-week courses, run by Fylde Coast YMCA with support from Wyre Borough Council and North Lancashire Primary Care Trust, are coming to an end.

They have been so successful that new courses are to be laid on in Poulton and Fleetwood, starting in June.

Mike Vernon, Wyre leisure director with Fylde Coast YMCA said: "The Mend experience helps get kids healthy and fit in only 10 weeks - and helps them stay that way.

"The interactive discussions include practical demonstrations, games on label reading and portion sizes and there is even a fun supermarket tour to help children try delicious new foods.

"Once all the course is complete, we can then help them choose an exciting physical activity programme, based on the activities they most enjoyed from the exercise sessions."

Running twice a week for 10 weeks, each session features an interactive discussion on nutrition for parents and children, followed by an hour of fun, land or water-based exercise for the children.

Councillor Lynne Bowen, living healthily portfolio holder for Wyre Council, added: "The Mend programme has taken off in a way we could never have imagined.

"It has been so rewarding to see the families getting so much out of the experience and seeing some really positive changes as a result.

"We're really hopeful we can roll this out to other parts of the borough in the future."

Antony, who is currently on the Fleetwood Mend programme, said: "Since being on Mend I can ride my bike without getting out of breath and I have lots more energy."

For information on Mend contact Fylde Coast YMCA on 01253 882105.