Fun-packed way to get healthier

GETTING healthier needn’t be boring for local youngsters thanks to an action-packed programme of fitness fun.

MEND — Mind Exercise Nutrition Do it — helps overweight seven to 13-year-olds slim down while becoming fitter, healthier and happier.

The free 10-week programme is made up of activities, including playground games such as dodgeball, rounders and touch rugby, swimming pool-based games, a supermarket tour, confidence building and the very popular MEND fabulous feast.

Children who complete the programme will also benefit from discounts on many sports activities across the borough.

Emma Haman, MEND programme manager, said: “Children who have attended MEND programmes have loved them.

“Because we are so keen to make the sessions fun, getting more active and eating healthily feels less like hard work. It’s also a good opportunity for the youngsters, and their families, to make new friends and do something different.”

The sessions are run by the health improvement service from Oldham Community Health Services, along with partner organisations such as Oldham Athletic, Oldham Community Leisure and Oldham Sports Development.

MEND programmes are run on a regular basis at various venues across the borough.

From April 28 there will be programmes running in Failsworth and Saddleworth which are open to children from across the borough.

The Saddleworth programme is being held at Uppermill Civic Hall on Tuesdays and Saddleworth Sports Centre on Fridays.

The Failsworth programme will also run on Tuesday and Friday evenings, both at Failsworth Sports Centre.

MEND is supporting the national Change4Life campaign, which aims to kickstart a lifestyle revolution for every family, encouraging them to eat well and exercise more in order to halt the rising tide of obesity.

The hard work and commitment of Oldham’s MEND team was rewarded when they won last year’s prestigious national Best Practice Award for excellence in running MEND programmes in the local community.

It is important that anyone who is interested in taking part gets in touch as soon as possible as numbers are limited.

To book on either programme contact Waveney or Sarah on 0161-621 7121.