As we approach Spring, many of us have already let go of our New Year’s resolutions to lead healthier lives. However, in Sheffield, the journey towards a healthier lifestyle continues year-round and there is help if you want to get back on with your goals. Despite the challenges of busy lives, our city leads with proactive health initiatives, offering various programs and services to support residents in their ongoing quest for better health and wellness. Against the backdrop of growing concerns nationwide about rising obesity rates, Sheffield is home to a whole range of community-driven solutions’ or ‘Sheffield is showing us that community-driven action is a powerful solution’
Nearly 30% of the UK’s adult population grapples with obesity, a statistic that underscores the urgency of promoting healthy habits. However, within the confines of Sheffield, the numbers paint a slightly brighter picture, with 23.7% of adults actively engaged in combating this prevalent issue.
At the forefront of Sheffield’s health and wellness landscape is Live Lighter Sheffield, a commendable initiative commissioned by Sheffield City Council. This project is dedicated to empowering individuals to lead healthier lives. Providing a comprehensive range of services, Live Lighter Sheffield offers support and inspiration for those seeking practical guidance on healthy eating and weight management. Through their inclusive 12-week lifestyle weight management programme for adults, participants receive invaluable support and resources to embark on their transformative journey towards improved well-being.
Moreover, Sheffield takes pride in nurturing its younger population through programmes like Shine Health Academy and Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programmes
Shine Health Academy caters specifically to individuals aged 10-17 years, and is more than just a weight management programme—it’s a nurturing environment where young people are encouraged to flourish, gaining physical health, self-esteem, and confidence. Led by a dedicated team committed to putting young people first, Shine Health Academy empowers and guides young adults towards their full potential.
HAF programmes have also played a vital role in ensuring that all children can eat well and benefit healthwise from nutritious meals. HAF projects ensure pupils can enjoy fun activities throughout school holidays but, more importantly, have healthy meals and gain valuable nutritional education -especially valuable for children living in food insecurity. In the summer of 2022 alone, a staggering 11,400 children in Sheffield attended HAF activities, highlighting the significant impact of these programmes in combating food insecurity and promoting healthy eating habits among the city’s youth.
Sheffield’s commitment extends beyond traditional weight management programmes in pursuing holistic health and well-being. The Eat Smart programme also fosters healthier eating habits among Sheffield’s youth but proactively in Schools. This initiative supports schools, encouraging them to promote healthy eating and cultivate positive attitudes towards food throughout the school day. By integrating nutritional education and healthier food options into school environments early on, schools can help children and their parents make informed choices about their diet, setting them on a path towards lifelong wellness.
Enter Zest an award-winning community enterprise renowned for its unwavering dedication to improving community well-being. Through a diverse array of services ranging from 1-1 sessions to group activities, Zest’s team of social prescribers, health service coordinators, and well-being coaches work tirelessly to promote community wellness through personalised guidance or strategic signposting to other community services. Zest is far from the only enterprise having an outsized impact on community wellbeing – organisations like Firvale Community Hub and Darnall Well Being have long histories of working alongside their local communities to counteract health inequities and empower people to live healthier lives.
In addition to community-driven initiatives, Sheffield City Council has implemented policy changes further to support the city’s health and wellness efforts. One notable policy is the Hot Food Takeaways planning policy, which proposes restricting the establishment of new takeaways within 800 metres of schools in Sheffield. By creating healthier environments around educational institutions, this policy aims to reduce children’s exposure to unhealthy food options, thereby promoting better dietary choices and overall well-being.
What makes Sheffield unique is its wide range of health services, along with the strong sense of community and teamwork that runs through every project. From Live Lighter Sheffield’s inclusive approach to weight management to the community-led Zest’s tireless efforts to address local disparities, Sheffield exemplifies the power of collective action in fostering healthier communities.
Sheffield’s commitment to promoting healthy eating and weight management is showcased by a collaborative approach encompassing policy and community-driven initiatives. Despite reduced funding, the city stands as an example in the quest for better health and wellness, empowering residents to lead healthier lives through a supportive network.
Know that if you’re a Sheffield resident eager to begin your journey towards better health, you’re not alone. Sheffield’s path to wellness is paved with support, guidance, and an unwavering commitment to fostering healthier, happier communities. Embrace the journey, and let’s make health and wellness a way of life together.
For more information on this topic and links to all projects mentioned in their article, please visit the ShefFood Food, Health and Obesity Working Group page; https://sheffood.org.uk/food-health-obesity/
