A NEW free sports programme for families has been launched in South Gloucestershire to help keep children healthy and active.
The scheme includes 12 weekly sessions with a qualified health coach as well as access to activities including swimming, soft play, badminton, junior gym, and table tennis.
The sessions are designed to help families explore wellbeing through interactive education and games that can support the development of healthy habits and behaviours.
It is taking place at centres including in Thornbury and Yate as well as in Bradley Stoke, Kingswood and Longwell Green.
SGC councillor Alison Evans, cabinet member for public health, said: "We are delighted to be running our new healthy weight programme at Active Lifestyle Centres in South Gloucestershire and look forward to welcoming eligible families onto these sessions.
"We are confident those attending the programme will benefit from the activities on offer, as well as receiving support to maintain a healthy diet and good overall wellbeing.
“This is one of the many ways we are helping our community become stronger and healthier through our healthy lifestyles and wellbeing programme One You South Gloucestershire.”
The programme is free for families that are eligible.
It has been commissioned by South Gloucestershire Council and delivered by Circadian Trust’s network of Active Lifestyle Centres.
Data from the 2021/22 National Child Measurement Programme shows that one in five reception aged children in South Gloucestershire are above a healthy weight for their age and height.
This increases to one in three by the end of primary school.
Jim Rollo, healthy lifestyles manager at Circadian Trust, said: “The successful referral process has seen demand nearly reach capacity for the adult programme and we are hoping to see the same with our family offer.
“Each member of our team is proud to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. Our aim is to support people to enjoy spending time feeling healthier both in body and mind.
“We encourage families to check whether they are eligible.
It is a great opportunity to access leisure services and the range of health benefits they offer.”
Anyone interested in finding out more is advised to visit One You South Gloucestershire website or speak to their GP.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here