3/28/2010

Children celebrate at top west London football clubs

Eighteen children got special tours of top west London football clubs to mark their success on courses to help them eat healthily and take more exercise.

The two MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition and Do-it) courses were run by Staying Put Services’ Well-being project.

Children taking part on the course at Fulham Cross Youth Club in Lillie Road had their graduation in the Chelsea Football Club press office. To mark their achievement they were given an extra Chelsea Football Club Fitness in the Community (FITC) medal and a pedometer to encourage them to continue on their exercise programme.

The children from the course at Phoenix High School in White City were given an extra treat of touring the QPR football stadium.

MEND courses run throughout the London borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Children and their parents participate together in a fun and encouraging environment to learn about nutrition and exercise.

Coaches from Chelsea Football Club FITC, Fulham Football Club Foundation and QPR in the Community Trust work with the children on the ten week courses in the practical exercise part of the course. The Hammersmith and Fulham Primary Care Trust works with parents and children to encourage and support health eating and a change in dietary habits.

Nancy Dream, a parent on the course, said: “Since starting MEND I have noticed the change in my son both in his confidence and physical appearance. I also have noticed the change in myself and we now walk to and from school which we rarely did before."

Graham Raine, director of Staying Put Services which runs the MEND programme, said: “Children and parents both learn a lot from this course, over the ten weeks children take part in exercise and football training with coaches from their favourite local clubs, whilst their parents learn how to cook healthier meals and make healthier lifestyle choices.”
 
If you’d like to take part with your child on the next course please contact Earl Fairclough the community health promotion officer at Staying Put Services, on 020 8996 8932 or email earl.fairclough@sbhg.co.uk

For more information
Hannah Stokes
Tel: 020 8996 4237
Email: hannah.stokes@sbhg.co.uk