Jun 14 2010
Childhood obesity in Tower Hamlets tackled with fun-filled programme
Over 200 children living in Tower Hamlets will receive a free healthy living programme thanks to Morgan Stanley International Foundation. Regional health figures released this week by the Office for National Statistics revealed that childhood obesity rates in London are the highest in the country (11.2%), with 10-11 year olds in Tower Hamlets contributing the most to this increasing rate. To help children above a healthy weight in this area, an essential healthy lifestyle programme for children and families is being launched today in Tower Hamlets, funded by Morgan Stanley International Foundation.
The MEND Programme for 7-11 year olds in Tower Hamlets, aims to help children become fitter, healthier and happier whilst having fun. It consists of two hourly sessions twice a week over a 10 week period. Each session includes an interactive workshop for children and parents, where they learn about healthy eating and a fun physical activity session for the children whilst the parents have an adult discussion.
An independent study published in Obesity Journal in February found that children who attended the MEND Programme experienced long-term health benefits, including sustained weight loss and improvements in cardiovascular fitness and self-esteem.
Around 40 Morgan Stanley International Foundation members of staff will be volunteering at the launch and participating in running various fun and healthy activities for up to 40 children from Tower Hamlets. These will include:
· Making fruit kebabs
· Riding on a fruit smoothie bike - using pedal power to make fresh fruit smoothies
· Interactive group games using fun apparatus such as parachutes, balls and hoops
· A fats and sugars demonstration to show families the nutritional value of some foods
Susan O’Callaghan, Children's Weight Management Co-Coordinator at Tower Hamlets Council said: “We are delighted that Morgan Stanley International Foundation has prioritised child health in their local borough and decided to fund the MEND Programme. It will benefit so many children who are above a healthy weight and encourage them to be more active and make healthy lifestyle choices in the future.”
Elizabeth Passey, Chair of the Morgan Stanley International Foundation said: "We are committed to investing in Children's healthcare initiatives and giving something back to our local community. So we're very pleased to be supporting the MEND Programme, which will make a real difference to children in the Tower Hamlets area."
Harry MacMillan, MEND Chief Executive said “The MEND Programme is a fun way for children above a healthy weight to get fit and healthy and improve their self-esteem. With the generous support of Morgan Stanley International Foundation, children and their families living in Tower Hamlets will go on to feel fitter, healthier and happier.”
For more information or to register for the Tower Hamlets MEND Programme, call freephone 0800 230 0263, e-mail info@mendcentral.org, or visit www.mendcentral.org.
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To speak with a MEND case study family in Tower Hamlets, or for general press enquiries regarding MEND please contact Claire Nevill on 0207 231 7225 or 07515 612264 or at claire.nevill@mendcentral.org
Notes to Editor:
MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition...Do it!) provides free community-based healthy living programmes for children aged 2 – 13 and their families
· The MEND Programme was devised by Great Ormond Street Hospital and the Institute of Child Health, University College London.
· The MEND Programme is run in over 350 sites per term across the UK and has benefited over 17,000 families
