FAMILIES are being invited to attend a healthy lifestyle programme this month which uses games, dance, swimming and basketball to help them make healthier choices.

The programme, called SHINE Wiltshire and developed by Wiltshire Council, is specifically designed for children aged seven to 11 years who are above their healthy weight.

Three programmes have been running since January in Chippenham, Trowbridge and Salisbury, with the 22 children attending, collectively losing 10.2kg.

After ten weekly, two hour sessions, the children celebrated their achievements before receiving their certificates for completing the first stage of the programme.

SHINE Wiltshire coordinator Victoria Richardson said: “It’s brilliant to see the programme working so well to support families making healthy changes.

“The children have worked so hard and deserve the recognition of the changes they have made from the facts and activities they have learned throughout the programme.”

Every family who has completed the ten-week programme, now has access to 12 months of further support from the SHINE team through a weekly maintenance programme where families can attend weekly for ongoing support and exercise together.

A parent attending SHINE said; “It is relaxed and friendly, where no judgements are made, just support offered. I would highly recommend this programme which is delivered at the perfect pace and level for all children. You make great friends and it is already changing my children’s attitude towards a healthy lifestyle. We are on a healthy journey and it has had a positive impact on our family.”

“In ten weeks we have learnt so much about lifestyle changes, our house is a happier place and so are my daughter and myself. I would tell anybody to give SHINE a go; it’s only two hours a week and can make such a difference."

In Salisbury, SHINE Wiltshire programmes are available in April for families to attend, at the following places • Manor Fields Primary School, Salisbury on Wednesdays from 22 April.

• Clarendon Junior School, Tidworth on Thursdays from 23 April.

For more information or to register, email SHINE@wiltshire.gov.uk or call Victoria Richardson on 01225 716674, or visit activewiltshire.org.uk.

To check whether you, or anyone in their family, are within the healthy weight range by visit nhs.uk/bmi