CHILDREN in Chippenham and Devizes are being invited to join the next series of a successful healthy weight management programme for families, providing support to help them make small, positive lifestyle changes.

Wiltshire Council’s Healthy Me programme is a free 10-week programme for children aged seven to 11 and their families. The programme educates families about nutrition and physical activity, to help them become healthier, and ultimately reach and maintain a healthy weight and increase their confidence as a result.

The course covers topics such as five a day, sugars and fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals, the importance of hydration, shopping on a budget, making healthy packed lunches and many more. All of this is backed up with fun physical activities such as a supermarket sweep hunt, scootering, swimming, hall games, organised walks and themed activities to help reinforce what the families have learnt.

John Goodall, consultant in public health for Wiltshire Council, said: “Our Healthy Me programme provides a fun, interactive way to support families every step of the way to a healthier way of life.

“It’s all carried out in a warm, friendly and welcoming environment, and the positive results we see at the end of the programme are inspiring.”

The next courses begin on April 25 at The Olympiad in Chippenham, running on Tuesdays, 4.15-5.45pm and on April 27 at Devizes Leisure Centre, running on Thursdays, 4.15-5.45pm. New courses are also starting in Trowbridge and Salisbury.

For further information and to book a place, people should email healthyme@wiltshire.gov.uk or call (01225) 716674.