Healthy lifestyle programme praised by parents

A healthy lifestyle initiative that helps children become fit and healthy has been hailed a success.
The MEND programme, which stands for Mind, Exercise, Nutrition – Do it, is a national scheme aimed at helping 7 to 13-year-olds improve their eating and exercise habits.
For mum Jane Lyons, who has been attending sessions at Daventry Leisure Centre with daughter Molly, 11, it has been well worth the effort.

“I think it’s amazing and we have learnt lots of things,” she said.
"The children spend an hour during each session doing exercise, whether that’s swimming or playing with the balls, then the other hour is spent learning all about nutrition. Molly absolutely loves it and has now joined the gym and goes at the weekends. Every week she can’t wait to go along because she is with children that are a bit like her – they are tall and big and know where she’s coming from.”

Programme Manager Lizzi England said: “The MEND programme has had a really good success rate so far, and I hope this continues. The scheme is excellent, not only for the children but for parents too – there is so much to learn and a lot can be gained from taking part in it.”

The next MEND programme is due to start in January at Daventry Leisure Centre.
Any parents who are interested or would like more information can contact Lizzi at Daventry District Council on 01327 871100 or email eengland@daventrydc.gov.uk.