Change Makers Family Lifestyle Programme

Background

Change Makers is a FREE 9-week family lifestyle course, commissioned by Public Health Warwickshire and run by Rugby Borough Council, in partnership with Warwickshire County Council. It is an evidence-based county wide weight management programme for families with children aged 4-12 years. The aim of Change Makers is to halt the rising prevalence of childhood obesity.

Case study of a Warwickshire family

This particular family contacted Change Makers after receiving a letter from the Warwickshire School Health and Well-Being Team due to one of their children being very overweight. The child had been diagnosed with high functioning autism and struggled in group activities. The parent’s main goal was to improve their social confidence and increase their fruit and vegetable intake.

What did the course involve?

The nine week course was fully booked with children ranging from 8-12 years. The Advisor spoke with the parents to establish the child’s coping strategies as loud noises were a trigger. When this occurred the Advisor adopted a 1-2-1 approach during the games to calm the child. The child was gradually introduced back into the group sport activities. Towards the end of the nine weeks the child was less concerned about the noise levels and had made friends with several of the children. The course focused on 5 a day, the eat well plate, portion sizes, breakfasts, lunchboxes, sugar intake and snacks, meal planning and food labelling. Guests included Adult and Community Learning Services who delivered a cooking session, plus a local dance club, boxing and Warwickshire Wildlife Trust. Those who were eligible for a Junior Gym Membership were given a tour of the local leisure centre alongside a free taster session for a Junior exercise class.

Positive Behaviour Changes for the Family:

• Introduced new foods such as broccoli, mango and rice through a gradual process. First the item was placed on the table, then next to their plate, on their plate and finally trying one small piece of new food.
• Changing snacks from bags of crisps to malt loaf or breadsticks.
• Reduced portion sizes at dinner, both children were having the same as the father.
• Meal times are now at the dinner table instead of in front of the TV.
• The father and both children joined the local gym and regularly participate in a weekly boxing club and play badminton as a family as much as possible.

Quote – from the Parents

“We just wanted to say how much Change Makers helped us. Both children joined the gym as a result on top of their other activities. My child is much more aware about what and how much they are eating, plus they have shot up in height but are much slimmer. This has given them far more social confidence.”

Quote – from the Children

“I was really nervous as there were lots of children and the room was big. The games were really fun and I loved the boxing part.”

“I eat more green vegetables and I really like them now.”

For more information about Change Makers please contact Georgia Barrett (Family Lifestyle Co-ordinator) on 01788 533721 or georgia.barrett@rugby.gov.uk. Alternatively, if you would like more information Fitter Futures please contact Luke Butler (Fitters Futures Manager) on 02476 400594 or visit https://fitterfutureswarwickshire.co.uk/

Interested in the programme?

If you are interested in hosting a free Change Maker course at your school or would like to refer relevant families to the service please contact Georgia Barrett at the email address above. Alongside the free nine week course, schools will also be eligible for whole school taster sessions, assemblies, healthy eating workshops and drop-in information sessions.