Go4Fun @ UWS

This year, UWS is promoting the Go4Fun® program in partnership with Population Health. Go4Fun® is a free healthy lifestyle program designed for children aged seven to 13 years old and their families who would like support and information on adopting a healthy lifestyle and a long-lasting and healthy approach to living.

Gillian Murphy, UWS Mental Health Coordinator from Student Support Services, took part in the program last year, when she decided that her family needed some time and space away from the everyday rush to focus on health and wellbeing.

“I thought the program would be a great way to encourage all members of the family to work together with the same aims and goals for wellbeing,” says Gill. “The program gave me some personal time to reflect on how I can do small things differently at home that can really benefit my children’s health and fitness.”

One of the key things that Gill took away from the program was that simple everyday changes can make a big difference to long-term health and wellbeing. “It was important to make the changes as a family unit, rather than as individuals,” she explains. “This way the changes became more sustainable, easier to maintain and had a positive impact on everyone.”
Another great benefit of the program was that the family forged new friendships that are continuing today.

As part of the program, family members are required to attend two two-hour coaching sessions for 10 weeks, which coincides with the school term. At these sessions, parents and children participate in weekly games and activities; fun, interactive discussions about nutrition, physical activity and self-esteem; games and tips about healthy foods, reading labels and portion sizes; and receive delicious and healthy new recipes.

“The program was very convenient,” says Gill. “The sessions were after school within our local area. The children don’t need any equipment for the games and receive a folder and bag to keep all the printed handouts in. All you need to do is take yourself, your child, a bottle of water and a pen. It’s all free, too, which is great.”

Gill’s family now eats healthier and each family member has increased the amount of exercise they do. Wholemeal bread and skim milk are now regular items on the shopping list and everyone has increased their fitness and energy levels. “Because the changes were made as a family, the healthier lifestyle just becomes a natural way of life,” she says. “When shopping for staple foods, we make the same healthy choices now that we made when changing months ago – but now we make them without effort.”

Gill recommends the program to others. “It’s all about making positive changes in the best way you can with your family,” says Gill. “My children were upset when the program came to an end – so that’s a very good sign, too.”

If you would like to join the Go4Fun program or would like more information, visit the Go4Fun @ UWS webpage.