Croydon residents from Black African and Black Caribbean communities can take advantage of a free weight loss programme and be healthier for the New Year.
There are still spaces left on the council’s 12-week programme, which offers specialist support to meet the health needs of people from these communities, including healthier meal options using cultural foods and ingredients they know and enjoy.
The programme is delivered by healthcare experts Oviva, and participants receive personalised one-to-one or group support of their choice – in-person, on the phone or using digital tools – to lose weight, improve their health and make long-lasting changes to their lifestyle.
They’ll work with friendly health coaches like Michael Woolcock (pictured), supporting Croydon residents to achieve their goals.
People can sign up to the programme or be referred through their GP on the Oviva website: www.oviva.com/uk/en/croydon/.
The council set up this targeted programme to encourage more residents to participate in these kinds of programmes. The existing Live Well Croydon weight management programme is available to all eligible adults in the borough.
This work has been funded by the public health grant which is ringfenced to address health inequalities and improve the health outcomes of local people.
Croydon resident Allison, 60, who has benefited from taking part in Oviva’s weight management programme, said: “Since starting this programme, I have lost more than 5% of my body weight, which has been a great achievement. My mobility has significantly improved, I can walk for longer without feeling so tired. This has made me even more determined to keep losing weight and develop new healthy habits.”
“The New Year is a great time for people to feel motivated to start their journey to better health. We want more residents from our Black African and Black Caribbean communities to take advantage of this free offer and enjoy the health benefits as they progress through the free 12-week programme. This has been created in partnership with Croydon BME Forum to ensure it adequately meets people’s health needs.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
Sarah Harrison, clinical lead for Oviva said: “As we kick off the New Year and people start thinking about healthy habits, Oviva is delighted to work with Croydon Council to deliver this programme to residents. We help people to take control of their health and give them the tools to better manage their conditions and create lasting improvements to their health and wellbeing. We look forward to seeing even more success stories in the coming few months.”
