Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP) can support people with learning disabilities to be healthier; with thanks to a grant from the Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership (GAMP).
Two free Healthy Lifestyle courses are taking place at the Pioneering Care Centre for people living in Newton Aycliffe or Middridge who have a learning disability, dyslexia or dyspraxia. Participants will learn how to make positive lifestyle changes and how to maintain them.
The courses will run for 4 weeks on Mondays or Fridays. The first will start Monday 24 February from 2.30 – 3.30pm and the next one starts on Friday 28 February from 1– 2pm.
The 4 week course includes
• What is meant by ‘a healthy lifestyle’ and how healthy is yours?
• Eat well plate information and the benefits of eating healthily
• Healthy swaps, fat and sugar content
• A weekly physical activity taster, including boxercise, circuits and active team games
• Stress awareness and the importance of being more active
PCP Health Trainers are trained to offer advice on diet and nutrition, physical activity, goal setting, making changes and much more. They can work with groups and individuals, including family members and carers, to raise awareness of the benefits of a healthy diet and lifestyle choices.
Angela Quinn, PCP Health Trainer said “Learning disabilities can make it more difficult to understand new information, learn new skills and communicate. This means some people with learning disabilities need help to live independently. For example, they may find maintaining a healthy weight difficult, and need help understanding information and advice about diet and nutrition, cooking and regular physical activity.”
PCP are also looking to recruit volunteers to help with this project. Volunteers will receive full support and training to become Health Trainer Champions so they can work with the clients to help them become healthier.
For further information on the Learning Disability Health Trainer service contact PCP. Tel: 01325 321234 email: healthtrainers@pcp.uk.net or visit www.pcp.uk.net
Helen Smith tries Boxercise
