Children's weight management
Better eating, self-esteem and total health (BEST) (a free
local programme)
BEST is for anyone aged 11 -16 years (School
years 7 to 11) and their family who are concerned about their
weight. The family needs to be committed to attending a ten week
course, twice a week.
How to join
To join the programme ask your GP or school
nurse to complete a referral form for the Tower Hamlets Weight
Management Service – Children and Young People. When we receive
your junior referral form we will keep you on file until the
next 10 week programme is starting for your age group 11-16
years and we write to you confirming the venue and time. We also
accept self-referrals from parents; you can contact us by phone or
email.
Tel: 0207 364 3145 / 3142
Email: susan.o’callaghan@towerhamlets.gov.uk
Download the referral
form (pdf, 150 kb).
What to expect
The 10 week programme is in complete
confidence and consists of two sessions a week of fun sports,
nutrition and motivation workshops. The programme takes place at
Mile End Park Leisure Centre after school. It must be stressed that
this is a family based programme that requires the full support of
the parent or guardian of the child that is referred.
The programme aims to help families to adopt
healthy eating and daily physical activity into their
lifestyles to assist with weight loss and maintenance. Parents
whose children have completed the programme have commented on their
child's improved confidence, increased physical activity and new
healthy eating habits.
Children have described the programme as fun
and exciting with regular competitions, cooking opportunities and
trips such as ice-skating.
The programme has received extensive media
interest and was awarded the ASO Best Practice award for 2006.
When you've finished the programme, you will
receive a monthly newsletter and be invited to take part in our
FREE weekly popular activity club. You will also be made aware of
any offer that leisure centres have so you can take full advantage
of your services.
Go to the BEST web page for
further information.
BEST flyer
(pdf, 257 kb)
MEND: mind exercise nutrition do it! (a national
programme)
MEND is run in partnership with
BEST. MEND is for anyone aged 7 -11 years (School years 2 to
6) who are above their ideal weight and their family. The family
needs to be committed to attending a ten week course, twice a
week.
Evidence shows that diets do not work, and
putting young children on diets can be dangerous. MEND's, holistic
programme has been specifically designed over 5 years by leading
experts. The programme combines the elements that recent medical
research has shown are essential to effectively overcome overweight
and obesity:
Mind:
understanding and changing unhealthy attitudes
and behaviours around food
Exercise:
adequate, safe – and above all fun –
exercise
Nutrition:
enjoyable, practical activities that teach
children about healthy eating and daily meal planning to improve
the whole family's diet.
Do It!
How to join
To join the programme ask your GP or school nurse to complete a
referral form for the Tower Hamlets Weight Management Service –
Children and Young People. When we receive your junior referral
form we will keep you on file until the next 10 week programme
is starting for your age group 7-11 years and we write to you
confirming the venue and time. We also accept self-referrals
from parents; you can contact us by phone or email.
Tel: 0207 364 3145 / 3142
Email: susan.o’callaghan@towerhamlets.gov.uk
What to expect
The 10 week programme is in complete
confidence and consists of two sessions a week of fun sports,
nutrition and motivation workshops. The programme takes place at
Mile End Park Leisure Centre, Whitechapel Sports Centre and York
Hall Leisure Centre after school. It must be stressed that this is
a family based programme that requires the full support of the
parent or guardian of the child that is referred.
When you've finished the programme, you will
receive a monthly newsletter and be invited to take part in our
FREE weekly popular activity club. You will also be made aware of
any offer that leisure centres have so you can take full advantage
of your services.
Mend Programme: http://www.mendprogramme.org.
MEND flyer
(pdf, 313 kb)