Better eating, self-esteem and total health (BEST)

A free and fun 10-week comprehensive weight management programme for 7 to 16 year olds.

BEST is for anyone aged 7 -16 years and their family who are concerned about their weight. The family needs to be committed to attending a ten week course, twice a week.

According to government research:

• Just 11% of parents with overweight or obese children recognise it        
• Parents underestimate how much unhealthy food they buy
• Parents overestimate the amount of activity their children do
• Only 38% of adults know that obesity can lead to heart disease   
• Only 6% of adults know of the link between overweight and cancer

(Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives, 2008)

How do I know if I’m overweight?

• Simply measure your height and your waist
• Your waist should be LESS than half of your height
• Excess fat around the stomach increases your risk  of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer

How to join

To join the programme or for further information contact us by phone or email:

Tel:  0207 364 3145 / 3142

Email: susan.o’callaghan@towerhamlets.gov.uk

We also accept referrals from GP’s, school nurses and schools. If you would like a referral pack please contact us, or download the referral form (pdf, 150 kb). 10 week programmes are run for all age groups (7 to 11 years or 11 to16 years) every school term, commencing in January, April and October each year. We will write to you confirming the venue and time of the next available programme for your family.

A dedicated programme for children and young people with special needs was successfully run in 2007. We accept children and young people with mild special needs / learning difficulties onto our regular programmes.

What to expect

The 10 week programme is in complete confidence.  Children take part in two 1-hour sports sessions a week and two 1-hour workshops learning skills to manage eating behaviours and about healthy eating.  Parents also receive two 1-hour workshops a week and have the opportunity to exercise. 

Workshops are practical and imaginative and participants also have the opportunity to join exciting trips on offer throughout the year. Children have the opportunity to earn a weekly can do trophy and various awards, there is also a monthly newsletter.

Programmes are supported by interpreters and a crèche for younger children. School age brothers and sisters can also join-in, so the whole family benefit.

The programme includes help with eating right, getting active, and emotions.

What about after the programme?

When you've finished the programme, you will be invited to take part in our 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.

Further information

The programme takes place at Mile End Park, York Hall and Whitechapel Leisure Centres 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(ren).

The programme has received extensive media interest and was awarded the ASO Best Practice award for 2006.

BEST is an integrated, holistic weight management programme for the whole family, evidence-based and outcome driven. BEST is fun, multi-cultural, and effective and fits the current government guidance.

BEST flyer (pdf, 257 kb)