After school club launched at Littlecoates Primary Academy to encourage healthy living

The curriculum which was co-created with local parents and families alongside the NELC public health team, will take place across 12 weeks and will cover topics such as how to prepare healthy snacks, planning a balanced meal for the whole family and healthy eating on a budget.

Under the name ‘Let’s Go Grimsby’ the wellbeing club aims to create a fun, inclusive, family focussed environment. Unlike traditional programs, Let’s Go! Grimsby avoids focusing on weight loss, instead celebrating the role of food in bringing people together. By promoting creativity, shared experiences, and a sense of community, the club is committed to enhancing wellbeing in a way that is accessible, enjoyable and free of judgement.

The first session was held this week with children attending with a parent or guardian. Families were invited to prepare snacks together which they could then try, with the aim of experimenting with different variations at no cost to the families. The children, aged between 6 and 12, chopped and prepared fruits and vegetables alongside their families.

One parent said:

“My child tends to be quite a fussy eater so I am surprised she has tried all of the snacks on offer today, I will be adding rice crackers and honey to her lunch box.”

Councillor Margaret Cracknell, Portfolio Holder for Children and Education, at North East Lincolnshire Council, said;

“This new initiative is an exciting development in our healthy living offer that we hope has a positive impact on the families that attend the sessions.

“It is important for every member of the family to engage in a healthy lifestyle and by having the parent or guardian join in is a creative way of ensuring this happens.

“It is promising to hear the positive results after the first session and with further funding this trial can be rolled out across other schools in the future.”

Littlecoates Primary Academy Principal Neville Wilkinson said:

"We're pleased to be part of the Let's Go Grimsby trial. The initiative fits neatly with our efforts to support our community and promote healthy lifestyles.

"The children and parents who attended the after-school club enjoyed creating the healthy snacks and we look forward to the initiative having a positive and lasting impact."