NHS Highland and The Highland Council have developed new programmes to help families across the north of Scotland to make good choices about how to improve their health and wellbeing.
The X Programme, delivered in a group setting, offers support around health, weight and wellbeing for families and children of all ages.
The Y programme is delivered one-to-one by a dietitian. The recommendations to change a family’s lifestyle take into consideration the unique circumstances and specific needs of each family.
Sarah Mackenzie, a Health Improvement Specialist in NHS Highland’s Public Health team, said: “The X and Y programmes are available to families living in the Highland Council area and are a great opportunity for families and young people to learn more about their relationship with food and exercise.
“These sessions are family focused and are designed to encourage children and young people to discuss their lifestyle choices and access expert support and guidance from NHS Highland registered dietitians and other specialists.
“Classes are delivered virtually, either one-to-one or in a group, and aim to help increase physical activity and healthy eating. We want to help people to achieve health gains through improved self-worth and self-esteem and the evidence shows that healthy lifestyle choices can help children and young people to feel better about themselves and engage with peers and their local communities.”
The X Programme includes eight meetings with a group and trained group leader. The course includes information on:
- basic nutrition
- building good relationships with food and your body
- enjoying being physically active
- helping children feel good about themselves
The programme is for any child between two and 16 years old who would like a better relationship with food. It is recommended that a parent or carer should be involved in the classes unless young people of consenting age wish to attend on their own.
The Y programme, delivered by a registered dietitian, aims to achieve health gains for children and young people who are above average weight for their height and age. It is tailored to each family’s individual needs. Health gains can be achieved through:
- improved self-worth and increased self-esteem
- an increase in physical activity that you enjoy
- a reduction in sitting down behaviour
- improved diet quality
- better-quality sleep
Referrals for the X and Y programmes are encouraged via the local paediatric dietetic service:
- email paediatricdietitians@highland.gov.uk
- phone 01463 705097
You can also download and fill in the referral form from the X Programme website.
Read more about child health and weight.