A new free Healthy Families programme has been launched in Salford that will aim to deliver a 10-week practical course to promote healthy living.
The programme has been launched by Salford City Council and is designed to help promote a more compassionate and comprehensive approach to overall healthy living.
Named HAPPI (Healthy, Active, Positive, Purposeful, and Inspired) it will help improve healthy habits around food, exercise, and lifestyle.
Throughout the 10-week course, the Health Improvement Team at Salford City Council will work with families to support parents and children adjust to healthy habits.
The course has been launched to tackle the widening health inequalities and major public health issues such as obesity and mental health.
Amidst growing health disparities and escalating public health challenges such as obesity and mental health crises, the strain on the NHS has reached unprecedented levels.
The research from Public Health England, National Child Measurement Programme, 2023/34 found that in Salford Reception Year at school, 21.7 per cent of children are overweight or obese, which is significantly worse than the national rate of 9.6 per cent.
And in Year 6, 40.7 per cent of children are overweight or obese, which is significantly worse than the national rate of 22.1 per cent.
And with Salford having a worse rate than the national average, Salford City Council are hoping to intervene and encourage families to embrace sustainable habits.
The habits will intend to promote long-term health to create meaningful, lifelong health benefits for the whole family, encouraging vitality, balance, and resilience across generations.
Councillor Mishal Saeed, Executive Support Member for Social Care and Mental Health at Salford City Council said: “It’s great to see this programme being launched! There’s no need for New Year resolutions to commit to living a heathier lifestyle and improve overall family and child health and wellbeing.
“The HAPPI Programme gives families the support, resources and confidence that help to focus on health gain in a positive way.”
Cllr. Saeed continued: “Our Health Improvement Team has a strong track record of delivering community-based health activities and programmes, which is why I would highly recommend HAPPI to all considering a healthier lifestyle.
“Developing healthy habits and good emotional wellbeing isn’t just for adults – it’s a family affair.”
The programme aims to cultivate a deep sense of body awareness, fostering self-acceptance and a positive relationship with one’s physical and mental well-being – while also promoting healthier habits for families.
More information about the 10-week programme can be found here.
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