Local weight management programmes

Adults

If you are looking for local support in helping you to lose weight then there are a number of local services and programmes available to help you.

The CHIP Programme - Community Health Improvement Programme.

CHIP IS a community-based weight loss group for adults wanting to re-think their approach to nutrition and physical activity levels.

The 12 week course is available to adults with a BMI of 30+, and is free and confidential; you will be supported in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

If you would like more information please contact Helen McFall on 01353 865364 or ask your doctor who will be able to refer you to the Programme.

Weigh to Go

The “Weigh to Go” programme is based in GP practices and offers one to one support for up to 12 weeks to help you lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle. You’ll also get help and advice for some months afterwards. If you would like more information ask your local GP if this is available or contact the Weigh to Go team: 01223 884147 for further information.

*This service is currently only available for people living in Cambridge City or South Cambridgeshire

Your local dietitian

Local dietitians can offer one to one and group support. If you have never seen a dietitian and think that you need to, you can be referred via your GP, Practice Nurse or Hospital Consultant depending on the nature of your condition. In the first instance contact your doctors surgery and ask about how you can make an appointment to see you’re a dietitian.

Personal Health Trainers

Personal Health Trainers are here to support, encourage and help you towards better health.  They can work with you, for up to a year, to set and achieve realistic goals.  They cover, healthy eating, stopping smoking, drinking less alcohol and exercising more.  Health trainers are available in a limited number of surgeries across Cambridgeshire, for more information visit: www.personalhealthtrainer.org.uk

Children

Childhood weight management programmes

Do you have children between the age of 7-13yrs old and are worried they may be above their ideal weight if so then one of our free local programmes may be able to help.

EnergiZe 

Currently running in various locations across Fenland, East Cambridge, Huntingdon and Cambridge City EnergiZe offers families a fun way to help children manage their weight by improving fitness, physical activity levels, nutrition and self-esteem. The supportive and friendly group programme is made up of two-hour sessions held once a week. Practical sessions attended by children and parents/carers include preparing and eating healthy foods, reading food labels, healthy shopping and budgeting and to fun ways to exercise – especially for children who are not fans of traditional school sports.

For further information please contact the EnergiZe coordinator on 01480 418647 or e-mail energize@nhs.net.  Further details are available on the EnergiZe website www.cambsenergize.nhs.uk

Cambridgeshire Childhood Measurement team

If your child is in Reception or Year 6 and has taken part of the National Childhood measurement programme you may have received a letter saying your child has been identified as being above or below their ideal weight. If you have then there is local support available for your child from the Cambridgeshire measurement team. The team includes a specialist dietitian, school nurse and school nursing health care assistants there is a range of support available. For more information please contact Mandy Mayes on 01223 884 187 or by e-mail mandy.mayes@nhs.net 

Your GP, School Nurse or Health Visitor

If your child is not in Reception or Year 6 but you would like some advice and support then contact your GP or School Nursing team. If your child is under 5 you can also get support from your health visitor of community nursery nurse. Your local children’s centre’s may also be able to provide you with information and support and some also offer practical workshops on healthy eating and active play.

Your local dietitian

Local dietitians can offer one to one and group support. If you have never seen a dietitian and think that you need to, you can be referred via your GP, Practice Nurse or Hospital Consultant depending on the nature of your condition. In the first instance contact your doctors surgery and ask about how you can make an appointment to see you’re a dietitian.

Other useful links

NHS Choices