PRESS RELEASE

Issued on behalf of the

Southern Investing for Health Partnership

4 November 2009

Eat your way to a Healthy Lifestyle

Adults with a physical disability from the Banbridge area have participated in a healthy lifestyle programme which promotes healthier eating.

The participants who attended the programme in Copperfields Day Centre, Banbridge sampled a wide range of foods that contribute to a balanced and healthy diet.

The Day Centre received funding through the Southern Investing for Health Partnership’s (SIHP) Education and Lifeskills Issue Group to promote ‘Healthy Eating Options’ in Resource and Sensory Impaired Centres.

The twelve week programme allowed participants to be ‘hands on’ through cookery sessions with a qualified cook and dietician by using a wide range of healthy and nutritious ingredients. They were also given dietary advice and guidance and were able to transfer these skills and knowledge into their own home environment.

Participants also took part in a Food Hygiene Awareness course and obtained a certificate in Basic Food Hygiene.

Eilis Hill, Senior Manager commented: “The participants had no previous opportunities to be involved in ‘hands on’ cookery sessions. They thoroughly enjoyed the sessions and are keen to improve their cooking skills, with a significant number now cooking at home.”

Elaine Devlin, Investing for Health Officer said: “The SIHP is delighted to support this Healthy Lifestyle programme which allowed participants to experiment with new ‘healthier’ foods which will ultimately improve their general health and wellbeing”.

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Tel: 028 3741 4597

Caption:

Pictured with participants from Copperfields Day Centre in Banbridge who participated in the Healthy Eating Programme is (back row extreme right, l-r) Eilis Hill, Senior Manager, Philip Magee, staff member, Tom Moore, Newry and Mourne LSP and Elaine Devlin, Investing for Health Officer.