MEND team scoops very healthy prize

PRIZEWINNERS... health improvement workers Adele Stanton and Damian Aston receive their prize from MEND chief executive Harry MacMillan (right)

THE team behind a lifestyle programme has won a prestigious award for helping Oldham families become healthier and more active.

Oldham Community Health Services, part of Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, won the award for its outstanding work running MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition...Do it!) programmes to families.

The programme is a free, 10-week healthy lifestyle course that helps families learn about healthy eating, increase their fitness levels, reduce their body mass index (BMI) and boost self-esteem.

The Oldham team won the prize for best overall programme and were presented with £500 at the MEND Best Practice Awards ceremony in London.

Since 2007, 35 programmes have run in Oldham, and 1,278 children and their families have benefited so far.

Damian Aston, health improvement manager, said: “Supporting families to get fit and healthy and achieve a healthier weight is a priority for our team and we’re thrilled to have our work recognised and to receive such a prestigious award.

“The key to our success is that we make the programmes fun and supportive while also being informative.”

Harry MacMillan, MEND chief executive, said: “We’re delighted to recognise Oldham Community Health Services for their commitment to helping local families become fitter, healthier and happier.”

Alan Higgins, director of public health for Oldham, said: “I’m delighted that the success of Oldham’s MEND programme has been recognised on a national level.

“I would like to thank everyone who has run the programme and the families who have taken part for all their hard work.

“Obesity is one of the most serious threats to the future health of people across the country.

“In Oldham we’re working hard to tackle the problem, particularly with children and young people to prevent it affecting their future health.

“The MEND programme is one of the ways we’re doing this and the feedback from families who have taken part has been overwhelmingly positive.”

To find out more about MEND or register for the programmes call 0800-230 0263 or go to www.mendcentral.org.