The ‘Up4It! ‘Project provides a number of fun family based programmes with lots of activities for children and adults.  The Programmes are led by a team of health professionals and provides two types of programmes for families.  

Programme 1

The first programme is a Obesity Management Programme aimed at families who have children aged between 8 and 11 years who on the date of referral that are overweight (Body Mass Index >91^st centile).

Parents are asked to attend 12 weekly group sessions with other children and families. These sessions are a mixture of fun activities based on healthy eating, cooking, confidence building, play and active games with motivational incentives for participant families. After the 12 week programme, refresher sessions will be provided at week 16, 24, 36 and 48.

The Up4It! Management Programme will be held in local venues, aiming to accommodate families from all the surrounding areas. The first programme is currently being delivered in the Íontas Centre, Castleblayney Co.Monaghan The other areas selected are Monaghan town, Baileboro and Cavan town. 

If you would like to participate please ask your GP, Dietitian, Paediatrician, Public Health Nurse or any other member of the HSE Dublin North East Primary Care Team to refer you. 

Programme 2

RESOURCE INFORMATION PACK FOR PARENTS ON THE HEALTHY LIFESTYLE PROGRAMME

The second programme is an obesity  prevention programme which targets families with children under 5.  Parents are asked to attend 5 core sessions providing a mixture of fun activities based on healthy eating, cooking, confidence building, play and active games with motivational incentives for participant families.  With 2 follow up sessions in week 16 and 36.  There will also be opportunities for families to attend further programmes such as the Family fun and games programme.    

On completion of the programme refresher sessions will be provided in weeks 16 and 36.

 The final component of the Up4It! Project is the piloting of an emotional literacy programme, for children aged 3-5 years, called Creative, Confident Children. The programme has been developed and delivered in Scotland to promote young children’s emotional intelligence and wellbeing and will be piloted in eight pre-school services operating in the four areas selected for the Up4It! Project.

For information on this aspect of the project please contact Michelle Hart, Early Education Advisor with BCCN. 047 72469 or email michelleh@bccn.ie