HEALTHY LIFESTYLES KICK-OFF MEETING

Blog Post: Our First Healthy Lifestyles (Obesity) Session – Inspiring Young Minds at South Hill Park

In collaboration with the NHS and Bracknell Forest borough council, South Hill Park has proudly launched its first session of the Healthy Lifestyle Project, kicking off an exciting and meaningful journey aimed at promoting well-being and healthy habits among young minds.

The initial session welcomed a group of enthusiastic 70 Year 3 students, ready to explore healthy living through creativity, education, and active engagement.

A Creative Introduction to Healthy Living

The session opened with an interactive talk led by Steph Poole, a dietetic assistant practitioner. This engaging discussion provided students with foundational knowledge about nutrition and balanced eating habits, encouraging them to think about how food choices impact overall health. The talk wasn’t just informative—it was fun and designed to spark curiosity about healthy lifestyle choices without mentioning dieting or weight loss.

Active Learning through Movement

Following the dietician’s talk, students participated in a lively fitness workshop. Led by qualified instructor, Paul Jones of Podium Fitness. This part of the session demonstrated the importance of regular physical activity in a fun, interactive way. The energy and excitement were palpable as the children enjoyed moving, stretching, and exploring exercises they could incorporate into daily life.

Art as a Tool for Awareness

The session seamlessly transitioned into the creative phase, where students initially responded, through drawing, to the question 'what does healthy mean to you'.

Connecting the Dots: Health, Creativity, and Community

A significant part of the session was the conversation about how small choices, from meal planning to active play, can make a difference. As part of the project’s long-term vision, these workshops are not limited to the students themselves—they aim to engage parents and caregivers, sparking discussions about family-wide healthy living habits.

What’s Next?

The first session set the tone for what promises to be a creative and impactful journey. Over the coming weeks, students will continue to develop their characters, complete a fact sheet about healthy eating, and participate in the creation of a video that will be shared with schools across the Borough. The aim is to ensure that the message of healthy living resonates not just within the walls of the workshop but in homes, schools, and communities.

With each session, we’re creating more than artwork—we’re fostering healthy habits, building awareness, and inspiring young participants to take pride in their role as ambassadors for a healthier future.

Stay tuned for updates as we follow this exciting journey of creativity, community, and well-being!