MEND 7 - 13

The foundation has been commisioned by NHS Norfolk for the delivery of the county-wide MEND 7-13 programme since 2008.

The programme helps children and families manage their weight effectivly and lead healthier lives. Developed by child health experts and research shows it really works. With the support of their parents or carers, children learn how to improve their health, fitness and the way they feel about their bodies.

CSF/NHS Norfolk MEND Coordinator
Community Sports Foundation
Carrow Road
Norwich
NR1 1JE
Tel: 01603 761122

Families with children who may be over their ideal weight are being encouraged to sign up for free sessions to help them learn more about healthy eating and exercise. Youngsters aged five to 13 across Norfolk can take part in MEND (which stands for Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do It!) sessions, which are being run across Norfolk by CSF.

Funded by NHS Norfolk, the ten-week programme is being rolled out at Watton Junior School, Falcon Junior School, Millfield Primary School and Costessey Junior School, starting in January 2012. The MEND programme is the UK's largest healthy lifestyle programme for children and their parents or carers.

MEND 7-13 works with young people aged seven to 13 years old whose weight is above the national healthy average for their age. The sessions are spilt into three definitive headings: Mind (working on aiding behavioural change), Exercise (looking to introduce and engage the young people in physical exercise) and Nutrition (where the families are educated about the importance of a balanced diet).

Children and their families are able to learn about exercise and nutrition which in turn helps to build their confidence and self-esteem. The MEND programme is designed to aid changes that help make an incredible difference to the lives of children and their families. It's great to see the children grow in confidence throughout the ten weeks of sessions.

The programme has been proven to make a difference, with families who have attended previous programmes saying it helped change their whole approach to becoming fitter, healthier and happier. MEND has a family centred approach and is a great way of getting everybody eating healthier and being more active together.

Previous participants' parents have found the sessions a great way of spending time with their children, learning new games and ways all the family can get involved in becoming healthier in general. The parents themselves have also seen a reduction in their weight and waist circumference, which we know is a really important factor in maintaining health and extending the life expectancy of the whole family.

To find out if your are eligible to attend the MEND programme, check out the MEND programme BMI calculator. If you are eligible, you can access the programme in two ways - refer yourself and sign-up by contacting the MEND coordinator using the contact details below or by being reffered to the programme by your GP or health practictioner. Referrals must be sent to the MEND Coordinator, Toby Nickerson, by email or by post at the CSF office.

Health programme partners

For a full list of the partners and organisations who support our initatives, please visit our Partners page.