New service helps children and families make sustainable lifestyle changes to maintain a healthy weight
Families in Oxfordshire can benefit from a new service that helps get the whole family moving more and making healthier lifestyle choices together.
Gloji Energy is a new child weight management programme run by Achieve Oxfordshire, a service funded by Oxfordshire County Council. It provides free one to one and group support looking at health, nutrition, movement, sleep and mental health.
The 12 week programme for four to 12 year olds works in targeted areas of Oxfordshire and is free for those who meet the criteria. It also provides fun activities for children, while parents and carers will also access expert tips and advice on food, portions, snacking, self-esteem.
Councillor Mark Lygo, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Equalities, said: “Although Oxfordshire is typically one of the least deprived areas of England, ten of our wards are among some of the most deprived. Food poverty is a major issue in areas of deprivation and children from deprived areas are almost twice as likely to be obese than those in affluent areas.
“We know many people don’t know where to start making a change or may find it overwhelming, especially with pressures on household budgets that make it harder to be healthy.
“Health can come in all shapes and sizes – eating well and staying active are the best ways to be healthy. Gloji Energy will help make it easier for families to make healthy choices through fun, accessible and convenient support and activities.”
Find out more about Gloji Energy and other support available at achieveoxfordshire.org.uk/services/gloji-energy.
Children who receive benefit-related free school meals can also access the new You Move programme, which provides free or low-cost activities for families to enjoy together, including swimming, holiday activities, gym passes and much more. Find out more about it, including how to sign up, by going to You Move’s website: www.getoxfordshireactive.org/you-move
More information
Achieve Oxfordshire is delivered by healthy lifestyle provider Thrive Tribe and funded by Oxfordshire County Council. It has partnered with leading weight loss providers to offer a range of free programmes to help people achieve their goals.
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