Barnardo’s and Hampshire County Council have introduced a new programme to help families become healthier.

The Hampshire Healthy Steps initiative focuses on physical activity, nutrition, wellbeing, and maintaining a healthy weight.

This comes in response to local data highlighting that nearly a third of year-six children and one in five reception-aged children in Hampshire are classified as ‘overweight or very overweight’.

Additionally, three in ten children aged five to 19 exercise for less than 30 minutes a day, with those in more deprived areas facing more barriers to regular activity.

The programme provides tailored sessions on nutrition, physical activity, oral health, and sleep, all delivered by a dedicated Barnardo’s family health coach in community venues.

Families can join the programme directly or through their healthcare professional. More details can be found on the Hampshire Healthy Steps website.

Melissa Lewis, Barnardo’s Service Co-ordinator for the programme, said: "We are thrilled to launch the Healthy Steps programme in Hampshire, adding to the range of Barnardo’s support services available for children, young people and families across the county.

"It’s so important that children are given the tools to embed healthy habits and attitudes early on in their lives and this programme is designed to support families to do exactly that.

"We know from NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) recommendations that family-based services within the community are the best way to promote healthy routines."

"Hampshire Healthy Steps was created with this in mind so that we can deliver evidence-based, practical support in a flexible way. We’re really positive about the difference this programme can make to families in Hampshire to become healthier, more active, and generally increase wellbeing."

The initiative aims to address the health challenges faced by children in Hampshire, offering a flexible programme of support for families.

It’s hoped the programme will help children and young people lead healthier lives, with the sessions also providing signposting to further community support.

To learn more about Barnardo’s and its work with children, young people, and families, visit the Barnardo’s website.