Nutrition Advice for Health Project
Helping our residents become active is at the heart of Nutritional Advice for Help project, which is one programme that has received support from the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System (MSEICS) Inequalities Microgrants Programme.
Walk with Us – Eat Better Eat Cheaper community campaign
Nutrition Advice for Health (NafHealth) is a community organisation which focuses on community health and well-being. It has been working with ethnic minority groups for over 15 years, identify health needs and address them effectively through bespoke health education, awareness and support programs.
They focus on encouraging residents to move more, creating healthy eating habits and nutritious low-cost meals for residents on a low income, something that is particularly important with the current high costs of living.
They are using the funding for a ‘Walk with Us – Eat Better Eat Cheaper’ project, which includes a five kilometres group walk to get residents to take part in physical activity. They will also be providing a personalised 12-week nutritional advice programme, with two group advice sessions for weight management, fitness, better health and lifestyle. The sessions will help those who ‘just want’ to improve their health, as well as people that are battling with diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension) and mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.
The programme also offers the opportunity for people to meet and make friends, reduce loneliness and reach their potential, as well as helping to bring together organisations and individuals within their community.
Helping individuals and communities
The programme will provide bespoke support for ethnic minority groups, as many other weight management schemes do not meet their particular needs. Although, all members of the community will benefit from coming together and improving their health.
The programme is already making a difference to people in the community, as highlighted by one of the participants, who said:
I didn’t know that I will be able to walk five-kilometre space at a time; I just didn’t like walking, but I am now able to do 10,000 steps a day, which is about 8 kilometres!
I eat healthier, I have lost some weight and my health has improved. I sleep better, I am so grateful for the opportunity and the encouragement to participate in your programme. Thanks to Fola and all the Nutrition Advice for Health team.
They aim to raise awareness of the programme through workshops and health education programs through forming alliances and working in partnership with healthcare professionals, charitable organisations, community health organisations.