Back in the day, kids had little else to do but run and read but in the twenty-first century many children have swapped playing in the yard for playing online and though it boosts some skills, it comes at a cost to health.
The NSW Government’s free Go4Fun program gives families a fun, easy way to help kids be fitter, healthier and happier.
Go4Fun runs once a week after school, for families of 7-13 year olds who are above a healthy weight. Kids get to make new friends, play fun and active games and improve their overall health.
Parents and carers are also involved and each week there are demonstrations on preparing healthy affordable meals, and tips on understanding food labels.
Northern NSW Local Health District Health Promotion Manager, Jillian Adams, said the Go4Fun program can benefit the whole family.
‘Parents appreciate the program, and feel more confident providing meals that their children will enjoy, that are also good for them,’ said Ms Adams.
Go4Fun is running for all children in Term 1 in Ballina and Tweed, as well as an Aboriginal Go4Fun program tailored specifically to meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families and is offered in partnership with local Aboriginal Medical Services. These will be held in Ballina, Tweed and Grafton.
For those families who are unable to get to a face-to-face program there is also Go4Fun Online.
The online option includes resource packs, online activities and phone-based health coaching for families.
Go4Fun programs have been running in NSW for more than ten years and are proven to help children raise their self-esteem, reach a healthier weight, improve fitness and increase their physical activity.
To sign up, go to www.Go4Fun.com.au or call Northern NSW Go4Fun Coordinator, Phoebe Nicholls on 0436 012 371.
