Hartlepool United Community Sports Foundation have been awarded £5,866 through the National Lottery and Sport England Movement Fund to provide a Poolies Fit Family project addressing the physical health and wellbeing of young children aged eight-11 years 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.
Structured physical activities designed for the entire family will encourage gradual weight loss and better weight management. Consistent movement helps burn calories, increases metabolism, and builds muscle. Regular exercise can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve overall cardiovascular fitness.
Multi-sport activities and exercises will improve flexibility, joint health, and muscle strength for both children and parents.
HUCSF will also help to educate families about the importance of balanced nutrition meals, portion control, and regular exercise will lead to lasting behavioural changes in their daily lives.
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 healthily with being in high-deprivation areas.
HUCSF will target the Primary schools in this area and provide a 2-hour out-of-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 the risk of future obesity-related ill health are 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.
HUCSF 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.
For more information, contact: hucsf@hartlepoolunited.co.uk
Tel: 01429 862595
