The National Lottery and Sport England Movement Fund £5,866 Poolies Fit Family project helped address the physical health and wellbeing of young children 8-11yrs and their families struggling with obesity. It not only addresses physical health but also emotional, social, and behavioural health. By fostering a supportive environment, it empowers families to continue making healthy choices for years to come. Over time, the continuous focus on family fitness and healthy habits can lead to improved self-esteem for both parents and children. They’ll have a better relationship with their bodies and health, and this positive outlook can extend into other areas of life—like school, work, and personal relationships. Children will grow up understanding the importance of maintaining a healthy exercise lifestyle, and parents will set a lasting example of resilience, determination, and healthy choices. The project encourages consistent, enjoyable physical activity that will likely become part of the family’s routine, helping to make exercise a habit rather than a chore.

Hartlepool Wards Manor and Rossmere are in the 10% most deprived areas of deprivation in England and Foggy Furze is in the top 30%, children and families living in these areas are less likely to be able to afford to travel or pay for activities and also find it difficult to eat healthy with being in high deprivation areas. United for the Community will target the Primary schools in this area and provide a school multi-sport activity and exercise programme, providing parents and children with healthy information about food, nutrition and meals. There is concern about the rise of childhood obesity and the implications of obesity persisting into adulthood. The risk of obesity in adulthood and risk of future obesity-related ill health is greater as children get older. Studies tracking child obesity into adulthood have found that the probability of children who are overweight or living with obesity becoming overweight or obese adults increases with age. The health consequences of childhood obesity include increased blood lipids, glucose intolerance, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, increases in liver enzymes associated with fatty liver, exacerbation of conditions such as asthma and psychological problems such as social isolation, low self-esteem, teasing and bullying. United for the Community believes this is an ideal time to start this project to benefit young overweight and obese children and encourage parents, grandparents and carers to get more active and exercise on a regular basis to promote a healthy living lifestyle for the future, improving family relationships and bonding.