A new free programme to help adults reach and maintain a healthier weight, launches in Havering this week.
The Havering Weight, Wellness and Activity Service is being delivered by Gro Health on behalf of Havering Council, and will support residents with healthy eating, physical activity and overall wellbeing through a 12-week programme, available face-to-face and digitally.
Councillor Graham Day, Cabinet Member for Adults and Health Care, said:
“Obesity is the second biggest preventable cause of death after smoking, and in Havering three in five adults are overweight or living with obesity.
“In our busy lives it can be difficult to prioritise eating well and moving more, which can make maintaining a healthy weight more difficult. Our aim is to support residents through initiatives such as this weight management programme, which provides a range of support to help them live and maintain a healthier lifestyle.”
The programme is part of a community-based, Tier 2 Weight Management Service that supports adults who are above a healthy weight by providing free advice, coaching and practical support to help them make healthier lifestyle changes.
The programme includes:
- Face-to-face: 12 weeks of in-person group sessions at community venues across Havering, led by Gro Health’s team of health coaches, with 20 to 30 minutes of physical activity in each session.
- Digital: virtual one-to-one coaching by video or telephone.
- 12 months’ free access to the Gro Health digital platform (mobile and web), with over 2,000 recipes, meal plans and wellbeing support, or physical resources (manual, meal plans and DVD set) for anyone who is digitally excluded.
- A community forum and WhatsApp group to connect with others on the programme.
The app is available in 18 languages.
On joining and completing the course, residents will have access to support for up to 12 months.
The service is free for adults (18+) who have a BMI above 30 (or 27.5 if from an Asian, Black or ethnic minority background).
Visit grohealth.com/havering to check your eligibility and get started or call 0330 133 0307 to speak to the support team. You can also be referred by your GP or other healthcare professional.
To check your BMI and for more information on a healthy weight, visit Healthy weight – Live Well Havering