MORE youngsters from the Beccles area are being called to join a free weight management programme.Places are still available on four MEND courses which help children aged seven to 13 with their physical activity levels, nutrition and self esteem.

MORE youngsters from the Beccles area are being called to join a free weight management programme.

Places are still available on four MEND courses which help children aged seven to 13 with their physical activity levels, nutrition and self esteem.

Funded by NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney, the ten-week programme is aimed at children who are above their ideal weight.

Steph Edrich, MEND Programme Manager at NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney's Community Services, said: “The programme has proven results in achieving a healthier weight for children. Not only does the child benefit but the sessions help all the family to change their eating and exercise habits. It has also has a really positive effect on the child's self esteem.”

The MEND programmes, which stands for Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do It, will be running from Kirkley High School in Lowestoft, Beccles Sports Centre, The Shrublands Centre in Gorleston and Fitness 2000 in Great Yarmouth.

The sessions run on Tuesdays and Thursday from 5pm to 7pm.

Mrs Edrich added: “We are really keen for more children from the Beccles and Lowestoft area.

“The problem of weight is an increasing problem and it's a case of tackling the issue when individuals are children so they can take that information through into their adult life and even onto the time when they have children.”

The MEND Programme is the UK's largest healthy lifestyle programme for children and their parents or carers.

Sarah Barnes, health improvement manager, said: “MEND backs up all the national messages of Change 4 Life which encourages people to eat well, move more and live longer.

“Maintaining a healthy weight has a really dramatic effect on your health and we want the Great Yarmouth and Waveney area to be up there as having one of the fastest improving health rates in country.”

Families keen to sign up for MEND can call Steph Edrich on 01493 852207 or text 07798 825145. More information is available thorugh the national website www.mendprogramme.org.