Go4Fun @ UWS

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The University recognises the importance of health and wellbeing, and supports the efforts of staff and students to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle for themselves and their families.

UWS has established a formal partnership with Population Health, Nepean Blue Mountains and Western Sydney Local Health Districts and is working with Population Health on a range of healthy lifestyle initiatives for staff and students, including Go4Fun®.

The delivery of Go4Fun® in NSW is funded by the NSW Ministry of Health as a part of the government’s Healthy Children’s Initiative.

What is Go4Fun?

The Go4Fun® program is a free healthy lifestyle program for kids that aims to provide children with the information and skills to become fit, healthy and happy. The program is fun and interactive, and supports children aged seven to 13 years old and their families to adopt a long-lasting approach to healthy living.

The Go4Fun® program is based on the United Kingdom’s MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition… Do It!) program. MEND is a multi-disciplinary program that supports children and their families to:
  • Adopt healthy attitudes to food and eating (Mind)
  • Be motivated to exercise on a regular basis (Exercise)
  • Be empowered to make informed food choices (Nutrition)
  • Know how to Do it in a fun, easy and sustainable way.

Go4Fun coaching sessions

Go4Fun® runs over a 10-week school term, with two two-hour coaching sessions per week (20 free sessions), which are conveniently scheduled after-hours. Parents/carers attend each session with their children to encourage a whole-of-family approach. Sessions include weekly games and activities for kids; fun, interactive discussions about nutrition, physical activity and self-esteem; and receive delicious and healthy recipes.

The program has been specifically designed for children and their families who want support and information to ensure they lead a healthy lifestyle. Children are eligible for the program if they:
  • Are aged seven to 13 years old
  • Want information and support to establish and maintain a healthy way of life
  • Are otherwise healthy (with no significant illnesses) 
  • Have a parent/carer who is able to attend all of the Go4Fun® sessions with them.

Register for Go4Fun®

If you would like to register for this service, please visit the MEND website (opens in a new window).

More information on Go4Fun®

If you would like to find out more information, please visit the NSW Go4Fun website (opens in a new window).

The benefits of Go4Fun®

Over the past 12 months, participants in the Go4Fun® program have seen great improvements in their health, including:
  • A reduction in BMI of 0.7kg/m2.
  • A reduction in waist circumference of 2.2cm.
  • Hours spent doing physical activity increased by four hours per week.
  • Hours spent in sedentary activities decreased by three-and-a-half hours per week.
  • Recovery heart rate reduced by 7.2bpm, which indicates an improvement in fitness levels.

Contacts

For more information about: