Scheme launches across Sefton to get families into shape

AN NHS-funded health scheme will launch across Sefton over the next month to help families get in shape.

The programme, based on the council exercise scheme MOVE IT, will encourage seven-16 year olds and their families to use interactive learning and physical exercise to achieve greater fitness for the next generation.


The course has been developed by the Active Lifestyles team of the Sefton Leisure and Tourism department and has a heavy emphasis on having fun and stepping away from the idea of forcing children to eat certain foods.

Development Manager for Sefton Council, Lindsay Russell, said: “Encouraging children to eat healthy foods can often be difficult, with feedback from our parents illustrating that it can sometimes be easier to give them foods which they know children will eat.”

She added: “Speaking to parents who have attended the MOVE IT programme has provided us with excellent feedback as they have found fun and innovative ways of ensuring healthy foods are in children's diets as well as creative ways of keeping fit as a family.”

The scheme is due to start on November 8 at leisure centres including Dunes Splash World, Litherland Sports Park and Bootle Leisure Centre.

source: Formby Times (www.formbytimes.co.uk)