JET - jobs education & training

It is recognised that obesity in the young is an ever increasing problem in the UK. It has been estimated that one in four 11 to 15 year olds are overweight or obese.  Many studies show that obese children are at increased risk from a number of serious health conditions which include hardened and blocked arteries, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. Obesity and being overweight can cause young people both physical and mental distress. Teasing and bullying about a child’s appearance affect a child’s confidence and self-esteem.

Many of these factors are particularly prevalent in South Asian communities, of which our local community is made up of 35%. A number of factors, including  poor diet, lifestyle and genetics result in the fact that, for some of these young people,  there is an increased chance of exposure to the risks of heart disease, strokes and other problems. Many Government initiatives are trying their best to tackle this problem and resolve it with the help of partner organisations across the public sector.

This healthy eating project will look to involve the young from the local community irrespective of their cultural origin. The project will offer a variety of workshops/seminars based around healthy eating to develop the local community’s awareness and knowledge of these major issues. We shall review and challenge cultural and traditional values on lifestyle. The target audience will be 11-16 year olds, resident in Normanton and the surrounding wards. Families and friends will be involved by association because project participants will share the learning and because there will be a much greater understanding of the importance of diet and the risks associated with types of food and styles of cooking.

The project will be supported by individual learning plans and there will be one to one progress reviews with all participants. On a small scale this programme is absolutely in line with the aims of the new Government Initiative recently launched by the Rt. Hon. Alan Johnson, Secretary of State for Health. (refer http://www.nhs.uk/Change4Life).

It is recognised that obesity in the young is an ever increasing problem in the UK. It has been estimated that one in four 11 to 15 year olds are overweight or obese.  Many studies show that obese children are at increased risk from a number of serious health conditions; these include hardened and blocked arteries, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. Being overweight can not only cause you physical but also mental distress. Teasing and bullying about a child’s appearance affects a child’s confidence and self-esteem.

Many of these issues are particularly relevant amongst South Asian Communities. Here in Normanton approximately 35% of the total population of 30,000 are from Pakistan, Indian and Bangladesh. Diet, lifestyle, genetics, a lack of knowledge and barriers to understanding all increase the risk of heart disease, strokes and associated problems. The government is taking a particularly active role in this and the Rt Hon Alan Johnson, Secretary of State for Health, has just launched a new initiative (http://www.nhs.uk/Change4Life). The whole aim of this initiative, to be launched in early 2009, is to help families become more active, get better and live longer.  

This healthy eating project will look to involve the primarily BME young from the local community. The project will offer a variety of workshops/seminars based around healthy eating to develop the local community’s awareness and knowledge of these major issues. The main barriers we are trying to address are the cultural and traditional views on lifestyle. The main target group will range from about 11 to 16 years old, residing in the Arboretum/Normanton Ward.

This project will look to involve the principles (11-16 year olds) BME young from the local community which JET serves. It will consist of series of summaries and workshops to develop awareness and knowledge and to address historical, cultural at traditional views on lifestyle. On completion of the programme the young will be all to share the knowledge with their families and their peers. This will be all to identify the risks associated with fatty foods, and some fast food restaurants. They will be able to understand the linkage between obesity and diseases and determine to take remedial steps if appropriate. 

The project will be supported by individuals learning action plans and there will be ongoing one to one progress reviews and interviews.

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