Barking and Dagenham Council has turned to a health programme in an effort to tackle the borough’s childhood obesity problems.
Barking and Dagenham has the highest level of childhood obesity in London with one in four Year 6 pupils considered obese, according to an NHS report.
The health, exercise and nutrition for the really young (HENRY) programme is a nine-week scheme offering parents of children under the age of five sessions on eating healthily and the benefits of eating together as a family. Sessions have already been run in the borough.
A mother from Dagenham who has previously taken part in the programme said: “Hearing from other mums about the different things they are doing or trying was really insightful. I learned that my idea of portions wasn’t correct, so now his portion sizes have been reduced and there’s more variety.”
Three new programmes will launch in early May. For more information go to newme.london/henry.
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