Bradford Council backs campaign to get children more physically active this summer

Children across the Bradford district are being encouraged to take part in the summer Change4Life 10 Minute Shake-up to make sure they get more active. Last year almost 4,500 families across the Bradford district signed up to take part in the campaign – the second highest figure in Yorkshire. Sign-ups were highest in Eccleshill, Bradford Moor, Tong and Bowling and Barkerend. Just 21% of boys and 16% of girls currently meet the national recommended level of activity of 60 minutes each day  and three quarters of children aged five to 11 (75%) want to do more physical activity. The joint Disney, Change4Life and the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) campaign aims to get more children achieving the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity children need in 10 minute bursts. A recent survey, commissioned by Disney, Change4Life and the ASA revealed 71% of parents say their children would likely be more physically active if they were more active themselves. Swimming was found to be one of children’s favourite activities during the summer, according to 32% of five to 11-year-olds surveyed yet 30% of mums feel too self conscious to go on families swims. The survey also said 61% of parents struggle for ideas on how to keep their children active during the school holidays. Parents looking for ideas can search for change4life on line or visit www.Bradford.gov.uk/summer. Cllr Val Slater, Deputy Leader of Bradford Council and portfolio holder for Health and Wellbeing, said: “Every 10 minute burst of exercise can make a real difference and helps children get the 60 minutes they need each day. “Increased activity is good for a child’s physical, social and mental wellbeing as well as helping your child build social skills and boost their self-confidence.” “Parents and grandparents getting involved and playing with their children not only sets a good example when it comes to exercise but also helps them learn in a fun way for everyone.” 2016 marks the third year that Change4Life and Disney have come together to inspire children to move more, with fun 10 minute bursts of activity – Shake Ups – inspired by some of Disney’s most recognisable and popular characters.

New autumn children’s healthy lifestyle programme to start

Places are available for the latest children’s healthy lifestyle programme due to start in Bradford on 1st October.

The free course, run by Bradford Council, will help children and parents find out how they can eat more healthily and become more physically active by supporting them to make small but effective lifestyle changes.

The children will also participate in fun physical activity sessions each week.

Participants need to be aged between 5 and 11 and will need to be accompanied by a parent or carer.

The 9 week programme runs from the Karmand Community Centre on Barkerend Road, BD3, between 5-7pm on Thursdays.

Anyone wanting more information or wanting to take part can call 01274 435387.

Lydia Worton from Bradford Council’s Health Improvement Team said: “This is a great chance for parents or carers who are concerned about their child’s weight, or simply wish to learn how to become healthier, to take some positive action.

“The programme is about empowering children and their parents by giving them the knowledge to make the right lifestyle choices by making small changes in your lifestyle.”

“Making lots of small changes can make a different to their health and wellbeing.”