A healthy lifestyle initiative is currently looking to recruit new volunteers for the next programme.
The Food and Fitness for Families project is part of Cardiff Council’s Leisure Services. It aims to encourage families with children aged 12 and under to improve their eating habits and become more active.
Following the success of four previous courses programmes and through a successful application to the Big Lottery Fund, the scheme has expanded and organisers are looking to recruit more volunteers, particularly in the Butetown and Grangetown areas.
The project is recruiting Cardiff residents who have an interest in healthy living and who would like to gain training and experience whilst working with local communities.
No previous experience is needed and volunteers are provided with accredited training qualifications in several areas so they can support and encourage families to eat healthily, get active and play together.
Training is delivered in three phases and includes accredited courses such as Agored Cymru (OCN) Community Food and Nutrition skills, Food Hygiene and First Aid. Training also covers risk assessment, Health and Safety, child protection as well as play and physical activity awareness.
After each phase of training a different volunteering opportunity is available and includes assisting activities with children, delivering five practical sessions to a family in their home and supporting weekly parent discussion groups.
The project runs ten weekly afterschool sessions delivered in primary schools for parents and children. Sessions explore food awareness that include healthy eating, food labelling and practical ways to make meals and recipes healthier. There are also physical activity sessions that include fun games, a park visit and different sporting activities.
Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Nigel Howells, said: “This programme focuses on the importance of health and fitness within the family and continues to help adults and children across Cardiff.
“As the project grows in popularity, organisers are looking for reliable and committed volunteers who aspire to gain valuable qualifications and experience which can lead to career development in health, play and leisure.
“Volunteers can play a vital role in improving the lifestyle of a family and are part of an important team who continue to make this programme a success”.
To qualify as a volunteer, candidates must be 18 or over and have an interest in health such as healthy eating, physical activity or play.
For further information on how to become a volunteer on the project please contact
029 2078 8416 or email [email protected]
The Food and Fitness for Families Project is delivered by Cardiff Council in partnership with Cardiff & Vale University Health Board and is funded by the Big Lottery Fund.
