7/23/2010

Graduating in healthy living

Children and their parents graduated in healthier lifestyles at Chelsea and QPR Football Clubs.

Shepherds Bush Housing Group organised graduations for 18 families who completed their ten week MEND (Mind Exercise, Nutrition, Do-it) courses.

Coaches from Chelsea Football in the Community and QPR in the Community Trust coached on sports and activities to do at home. SBHG’s nutritional experts helped them learn about healthier diets.

146 families have now completed MEND courses. SBHG research shows that, as a result of the course, each family member will spend five hours a week more doing exercise and 11 hours less watching TV or playing computer games.

Earl Fairclough, community health promotion officer at SBHG, said: “MEND transforms people’s lives. Children are happier, more confident, have new friends and are healthier. Our course is unique because it brings together children and parents to learn how to live healthier lives, working with some of the best football coaches in the country. That’s what gives results that can last a lifetime.”

Shakeel Rouf (pictured), an 11 year old who attended his graduation, said: "MEND makes exercise fun. My favourite session was when we went to the supermarket and learnt about how to buy healthy foods."

MEND is run by Staying Put Services, a registered charity which is part of SBHG.

The free courses re-starts after the summer holidays. Anyone living in Hammersmith and Fulham can register 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