Middlesbrough - Healthy eating in low income communities

Background

As part of the Healthy Living in Middlesbrough initiative, partly funded by Communities for Health, this programme provided healthy eating advice and activities. Its aim was to raise awareness of the impact of diet on health and encourage healthier lifestyles, helping to tackle obesity, coronary heart disease and cancer.  

What was involved

The healthy eating project encompassed a variety of activities which:

• encouraged people to eat more fresh fruit and vegetables
• improved cookery skills and food knowledge
• promoted physical activity
• advised on making lifestyle changes.

The work took place in disadvantaged areas of Middlesbrough, and focused on children and adults.

Project achievements: outcomes and impacts

• Nine breakfast clubs were set up in schools.
• There have been 43 family lifestyle change sessions with 245 people (55 families) attending.
• Cooking lessons, diet and nutrition advice, and better access to leisure facilities were provided to ten disadvantaged groups, with 539 attendees.
• There have been 45 promotional events, offering advice on healthy eating, physical activity, smoking cessation, mental health and reducing illness, attended by 5,688 people.
• One hundred healthy eating sessions were held.
• Education on healthy menu choices has been provided to 12 nurseries.
• Nine weight management programmes have run with 68 sessions and 406 attendees.
• Three food co-operatives have been supported.

Different agencies and organisations working together has been key to the success of this programme.

Future plans and next steps

The healthy eating project is building on the work already achieved and has been mainstreamed into a joint council and NHS healthy living team.

More information

Please contact Wayne Flowers on 01642 728 294 or at wayne_flowers@middlesbrough.gov.uk.