Steve Brine has pledged to support local families to get fit and healthy after signing up to a new fellowship scheme with MEND - a free healthy lifestyle programme in Winchester.
As part of his pledge, Steve will visit the local MEND Programme held at River Park Leisure Centre in Winchester where he will offer support and follow the progress of local families.
To celebrate his involvement with MEND, he met MEND graduate Matthew Skeen, 12, and his mother Pamela on Saturday 12th February at River Park Leisure Centre where they chatted about the positive impact MEND has had on their family.
MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do it!) supports children between the ages of seven and 13 who are over the healthy weight range for their height and age to become healthier and more active through a 10-week after-school healthy living course.
During the course families take part in interactive workshops where they learn about nutrition and how to maintain a balanced diet, followed by fun activities to get the children moving whilst their parents talk about health in a supportive environment.
Pamela said: “Since MEND we’ve become healthier as a family. MEND gives you simple tips to help you make your family healthier and it’s all done in a fun way. Matthew made some great friends on the programme and his self-esteem has rocketed.”
Following the programme Matthew even showed political talents of his own by campaigning to have unhealthy foods banned from his school. He also attended MEND’s VIP reception at the Houses of Parliament last November in a bid to spread the word about the free healthy lifestyle programme.
Matthew said: “My favourite part of MEND was the exercise, I now love playing basketball and football and going swimming and diving.”
Steve added: “It was great to talk to Matthew and his mum about how MEND has helped them make long-term changes to their lifestyle.
“As a MEND fellow I’ll be spreading the word about what a great programme MEND is and how it can help families get fit and healthy for life.”
Pictured; Steve joins Matthew, Pamela and MEND Fitness Instructor Martin Dick at River Park Leisure Centre
More information…
MEND is currently running free healthy lifestyle programmes in Winchester. If you think your child is above a healthy weight and would like to find out more about MEND, go to www.mendcentral.org or call 0800 230 0263.
