Free healthy lifestyle program for families

FAMILIES in New South Wales can access support to build healthy habits together, including tips and assistance for being active, eating healthily and maintaining overall wellbeing.

The free 10-week after-school program for children aged 7–13 and their families and carers aims to help them improve their eating habits, fitness, and confidence.

Northern NSW Local Health District Acting Director of Integrated Care and Allied Health Services, Kathryn Watson, said places were available in Go4Fun’s Term 3 programs in Tweed and Lismore.

“The enrolment criteria have been expanded so more families and family members can attend,” she said.

“We know that community and family support is important to both making and maintaining healthy habits.

“For many families, the focus is on just getting by on a day-to-day basis, and many don’t have the money or time to invest in healthy lifestyle programs.

“Go4Fun helps by providing easy, healthy lifestyle tips involving parents, carers and children in fun activities.

“Families love that the program is free and helps their child’s wellbeing and sleep. It creates a space to connect and build relationships as a family,” she said.

Qualified health and community professionals run the program, including dietitians and exercise physiologists.

It utilises tools and resources, personalised support, progress tracking, rewards and prizes, and engagement with an online community.

Go4Fun also presents an online program for families who cannot attend in person due to location or other reasons.

Parents and carers can sign up for the program directly, and health professionals and GPs can also refer patients.

Places are available in Lismore and Tweed, the latter hosting the Aboriginal Go4Fun program in partnership with WeCare Mondays from 4 pm at Banora Point Community Centre.

For more information and registration, call 1800 780 900, or visit go4fun.com.au