Alive ’n’ kicking, a new weight management service for children and young people living or going to school in Bracknell Forest, launched this week.
Alive ‘n’ kicking supports children between the ages of 4 and 11 years old, who are considered overweight or obese, to reach and maintain a healthier weight.
A 12-week programme will be offered to support the whole family and aim to improve their health and wellbeing through education and fun activities such as swimming, skating boarding and kayaking.
The service will also be working to address health inequalities across the borough, by focusing on support for identified groups where obesity rates are higher. Families will be able to access face-to-face sessions, along with physical activity sessions at local venues across the borough. Digital sessions will also be available for those who prefer it.
In Bracknell Forest, data from the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) 2019 to 2020 showed that 19.4% of Reception children and 32.7% of Year 6 children were overweight or obese.
Cllr Dale Birch, executive member for adult services, health, and housing, said:
“In Bracknell Forest, we want to make sure that children and young people have the best start in life. Children living with obesity are more likely to become adults living with obesity and have an increased risk of mental and physical health problems.
“We hope by providing this service it allows children and their families the time to thrive and enjoy all the benefits good health can provide.
“No such service has previously existed for children in Bracknell Forest. If we are to reduce overweight and obesity, compassionate support for children and families is needed at an early age. Families can self-refer or be referred by a professional, such as a school nurse or your GP.”
To get support from the service, contact Alive’n’kicking online, or call 0300 005 0095, or email clinical.contactcentre@nhs.net.
