SHINE support for families

An education based, healthy lifestyle programme continues to provide valued support with 22 families now accessing the programme, which has more sessions taking place later this month (April).

SHINE Wiltshire, developed by Wiltshire Council, uses fun and engaging delivery methods such as games, dance, swimming and basketball,  to encourage families to have the confidence and knowledge to choose healthier options.

The programme specifically designed for children aged seven to 11 years above their healthy weight, was launched in September 2014 to provide families in Wiltshire with support that will enable them to make healthier choices and help their children to be at a healthy weight for their age and height. Three programmes have been running since January 2015 in Chippenham, Trowbridge and Salisbury.

After 10 weekly, two hour sessions, the children celebrated their achievements by experiencing some fun activities before receiving their certificates for completing the first stage of the programme.

Maggie Rae, Wiltshire Council corporate director, said: “SHINE Wiltshire has been a real life changing experience for those families attending. It’s lovely to hear that the families have made progress and achieved a lifestyle change that will make a difference to their family’s health. This is a real achievement.”

Keith Humphries, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for public health, said: “ This programme has proven to be really successful and the families who have participated should be proud of their achievements. We are sure this programme will continue to help families across the county on their way to a healthier way of life”.

Victoria Richardson the SHINE Wiltshire Coordinator said: “It’s brilliant to see the programme working so well to support families making healthy changes.

“The children have worked so hard and deserve the recognition of the changes they have made from the facts and activities they have learned throughout the programme.”

The programme has been well received, with the 22 children attending, collectively losing 69.8 centimetres from their waists and 43 centimetres from their hips, losing 10.2kg.

A parent attending SHINE said; “It is relaxed and friendly, where no judgements are made, just support offered.  I would highly recommend this programme which is delivered at the perfect pace and level for all children.  You make great friends and it is already changing my children’s attitude towards a healthy lifestyle.  We are on a healthy journey and it has had a positive impact on our family.”

 “In 10 weeks we have learnt so much about life style changes, our house is a happier place and so are my daughter and myself.  I would tell anybody to give SHINE a go; it’s only two hours a week and can make such a difference.  I don’t want it to end!”

Every family who has completed the 10 week programme, now has access to 12 months of further support from the SHINE team through a weekly maintenance programme where families can attend weekly for ongoing support and exercise together.

 Four more SHINE Wiltshire programmes are available in April for families to attend, which take place as follows:

• Monkton Park Primary School, Chippenham on Tuesdays from 21 April.

• Oasis Academy Longmeadow, Trowbridge on Wednesdays from 22 April.

• Manor Fields Primary School, Salisbury on Wednesdays from 22 April.

• Clarendon Junior School, Tidworth on Thursdays from 23 April.

 For more information or to register, contact the SHINE team at SHINE@wiltshire.gov.uk or Victoria Richardson on 01225 716674.

 To download a leaflet or for more information people should visit www.activewiltshire.org.uk.

 People can check whether they, or anyone in their family, are within the healthy weight range by visiting www.nhs.uk/bmi.