Students show they have the ‘will power’ to succeed!
A programme aimed at helping young people to get fit and healthy has had a real impact on students from schools across Nuneaton and Bedworth.
Around 10 students and their parents took part in the MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition…do it!) programme, which ran two courses, both for 10 sessions from January through to July at Alderman Smith School, Radnor Drive, Nuneaton. The programme was aimed at children aged 7 – 13, who may have been struggling with eating healthily, be overweight or have low self-esteem. During the sessions they took part in a range of fun activities including games, interactive discussions and healthy food sampling sessions.
Tracey Kahrman, a Health Development Officer at NHS Warwickshire and also the MEND programme manager, said: “The programme was successful and we must commend the hard work of the children and parents who took part. They showed great dedication and were rewarded for their efforts by losing weight and getting fitter.”
Julia Everitt, Extended Services Co-ordinator based at Alderman Smith Schools said:
“We are really pleased with the outcome of the pilot scheme. The young people involved have not only made real progress in choosing healthier meal options, but it has also boosted their self-esteem. So much so, that they now want to continue a healthier lifestyle after finishing the programme”.
The MEND scheme was run in partnership with NHS Warwickshire, Northern Warwickshire School Sports Partnership and Warwickshire County Council’s Extended Services.