Spotlight on Make, Move And Munch Club Sandwell

1. Tell us what you do.

Accord Group Housing Association are working with the National Charity Partnership, to inspire hundreds of people in Sandwell to eat better, get active and reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Make, Move and Munch Clubs are the National Charity Partnership’s intensive support programme being delivered in Sandwell by Kaleidoscope Plus Group, Complete Kidz, Ideal for All and Groundwork.

The free eight session programme is running in Schools until December 2017 and motivates participants to improve health behaviours in relation to physical activity and food consumption. Participants have the opportunity to cook and eat a free healthy meal as well as receiving a goody-bag.

For a video introducing Make, Move and Munch click here.

2. What is your proudest achievement?
We are proud of every life changed through this programme and every single step people in Sandwell take to having better health.

A participating Mum said, “I always add salt to my cooking, these sessions have taught me that I must try my food before thinking about adding salt to flavour the food.”

3. What is your experience of support received from SCVO
SCVO’s Breakfast Meetings are a really effective way of getting to know people in the voluntary sector and an opportunity for information sharing and support.

4. What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt about working with people in Sandwell?
We have learnt that the best places to engage with Mums are where they are already gathered – at Schools. Now working in partnership with Sandwell Schools to deliver Make, Move and Munch is a real asset to the work, and we are delighted to be complementing the hard work Schools are already doing to support families into better health.

We have also seen that despite the negative press about the rise in obesity, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. When offered a fun, interactive programme, families of all cultures and backgrounds are embracing trying new recipes and, with encouragement and support, are enjoying doing a little bit more physical activity.

5. What are your plans for the future and some of the challenges you face?
We are looking for more Schools to work with in the summer term and autumn term as part of our programme and we are looking forward to celebrating all that the programme has achieved

6. How can SCVO help to support your organisation in the future?
We value the opportunity to use SCVO’s promotional networks moving forward, to assist us to book more School venues for the summer term.

If you’re interested in hosting a club or for more information please email helen.tomblin@accordgroup.org.uk.