Big Way Of Life

Torfaen Healthy Friends is run by Torfaen County Borough Council.

The project aim is to increase awareness and enable positive changes in attitude and behaviour towards healthy eating and physical activity in children aged between 7-8 years (Healthy Friends) by using children aged 10-11 years as mentors (Healthy Helpers).

But while the project is primarily aimed at children aged 7-8years and 10-11 years, Torfaen Healthy Friends does not exclude any children who want to take part and learn more about healthy eating and physical activity.

In order to achieve these aims, a 14 week programme has been developed which is the main core of how the project is operated, and focuses on three main elements: nutrition, physical activity and behaviour change.

The programme involves formal and informal activities designed to engage children throughout the 14 week programme, such as;

• Play and exercise sessions
• Audio-visual and practical sessions about healthy eating and physical activity
• Encouraging Healthy Friends through peer mentoring to take part in physical activity and making healthier food choices.

The programme can be tailored to each organisation to ensure that that the project is achieving its aims and the organisation is experiencing the full impact of the programme.  This is discussed and agreed before the commencement of the programme in each organisation.

The project also runs a buddying scheme in which children can be paired and supported with one or two other children, (Healthy Helpers) as well as involving parents, play club leaders, teachers, learning support assistants and volunteers.

Both accredited and non-accredited training is offered to parents, play club leaders, teachers, learning support assistants and volunteers to compliment the delivery of the Healthy Friends programme which will provide them with a number of skills and practical experience.  Accredited training courses available include;

• OCN Nutrition Level 1 & 2
• Paediatric First Aid Training
• Food Hygiene Certificate
• Health & Safety
• Cache Play

Project Contract Details

Aimi Walters
Floor 3, County Hall
Croesyceiliog
Cwmbran
NP44 2WN

e: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

t: 01633 648583

Project Website: http://www.torfaen.gov.uk