Hundreds set to benefit from new Healthy Weight service

Preston North End Community and Education Trust (PNECET), the charitable arm of Preston North End Football Club, have secured a new £100,000 contract in partnership with Preston City Council and Lancashire County Council to deliver a Healthy Weight Service.

There are two strands of the programme which aim to empower adults and families in Preston to lead healthier, more active lives.

The adults 12-week programme is hosted at a number of venues across Preston including Deepdale Stadium and is open to men and women, over the age of 18.

Participants will receive guidance from qualified weight management and exercise specialists, supporting behaviour change, overcoming barriers to weight loss, making healthier dietary choices and becoming more active.

The family programme reaches children aged 5-10 and activities are based on promoting healthier eating, development of cooking skills and taking part in physical activity in a fun, interactive and safe environment.

Emma McNamara, Head of Health and Wellbeing at PNECET, said:

At Preston North End Community and Education Trust we are delighted to be working in collaboration with Lancashire County Council and Preston City Council to deliver the adults and family weight management programmes.
 

"We know that achieving a healthier weight can be a challenge and maintaining a healthier weight can be difficult too. The Trust has successfully delivered weight management services for a number of years and this new partnership will ensure we maximise our reach using the power of the Preston North End badge to engage with local communities who may not usually attend traditional services."

In Preston 64% of adults are overweight or obese which is similar to the England average, but only 61% of adults are physically active enough to benefit their health which is significantly worse than the England average and the number of children who are overweight or obese is continuing to rise. 

Councillor Martyn Rawlinson, Deputy Leader of Preston City Council,said:

The need for such a programme is clear and we are excited to partner with Preston North End Community and Education Trust to deliver the service. They have vast experience and are positioned at the heart of Preston's community to connect with those hard-to-reach people.
 

"This programme will play a vital role in reducing health inequalities and obesity, helping Preston residents feel healthier and happier. I look forward to seeing the positive impact of this programme and wish all participants success in their journeys."

County Councillor Michael Green, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing at Lancashire County Council, said:

Healthy lifestyles are crucial for the people of Lancashire, and we are constantly developing ways to help them make the best choices for themselves and their families.
 

"We know that the causes of excess weight are complex and that a collaborative approach is needed to help people attain healthy weights, which is why we are continuously working with a range of partners and communities through our 'Healthy Weights' plan to enable people to stay well and access healthy diets.
 

"With this in mind, we are delighted to be joining forces with Preston City Council and Preston North End Community and Education Trust to help both adults and children in Lancashire to stay well, access healthy diets and achieve healthy weights across our county."

If you are interested in joining the programme, people in Preston can refer themselves by emailing healthandwellbeing@pne.com.