Community leaders launch food and fitness for families project

Community Leaders from Penylan, Plasnewydd and Canton celebrated the launch of the Big Lottery funded Food and Fitness for Families Project at Penylan Library and Community Centre on Friday 6th November.

The Food and Fitness for Families Project received £494,000 from the Big Lottery for this three year project under the Way of Life – Healthy Home Tutors model and will be managed through a partnership formed between the Council’s Leisure Services and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.

The programme aims to improve the health of 500 families with children aged 12 and under from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities living in Penylan, Plasnewydd and Canton. The participants will be taught about the importance of a healthy diet and regular exercise by trained volunteers recruited from their own communities.

Healthy lifestyle advice will initially be given in the comfort of the home before introducing the families to group sessions in local community facilities including schools, community halls and leisure centres.

Community leaders attended the launch to find out how they can support the project through partnership working. Representatives came from all areas of the community, including: Women in Action, Bangladeshi Welfare Association, Islamic Social Services and the Welsh Asian Council. Additionally, the Year 5 class from Albany Road Primary School participated in activity workshops based on physical activity, nutrition and play.

Councillor Nigel Howells, Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture said “This programme will have a long term impact on the health and wellbeing of BME communities where there are higher than average instances of obesity, coronary heart disease and diabetes linked to poor diet and a lack of physical activity. The Big Lottery – Way of Life grant will help us to remove some of the barriers to participation for BME families and our partnership with the University of Wales Hospital Dietetic Service will ensure that we are giving clear and consistent advice on the benefits of healthy a diet and regular exercise. Local volunteers will make sure that the programme includes a healthy serving of fun for all the family.”

For further information on how to become a volunteer or to enrol your family onto the project please call 029 2078 8416 or email wayoflife@cardiff.gov.uk.

The Big Lottery Fund distributes half of the National Lottery good cause funding across the UK. The Fund is committed to bringing real improvements to communities and the lives of people most in need.

Photograph: Front row, left to right: Competition winners from Albany Road Primary School: Raman Mohhamidi, Aarif Noor, Seher Rasul.
Zoe Rogers (Centre Assistant), Councillor Nigel Howells on the smoothie bike Back row, left to right: Jackie Dorrian (Play Development Officer), Nisa Aleem (Community Play Coordinator), Ricky Tyler (Centre Assistant), Michelle Jenkins (Centre Assistant), Helen Nicholls (Community Dietetic Lead, Cardiff & Vale University Health Board), Judyth Jenkins (Head of Dietetic Service, Cardiff & Vale University Health Board).