The service will offer face-to-face and digital support for young people aged 14-19 across Barnet

a young person east an apple looking out of a window — Photo by Khamkhor on Unsplash

Barnet Council is launching a new service designed to support young people aged 14-19 in managing their weight, improving physical and mental health, and developing the skills needed for long-term health and wellbeing.

The service, launched in partnership with DDM’s Gro Health platform, will support young people across Barnet, offering both face-to-face sessions and access to the Gro Health digital platform. It focuses on a whole-person approach, addressing four key areas of adolescent health: physical activity, mental wellbeing, nutrition, and sleep.

With rising rates of adolescent obesity across the borough, this programme comes at a crucial time. In Barnet in 2022/23, the National Childhood Measurement Programme found 19.3% of Reception children and 33.7% of Year 6 children were overweight or very overweight, highlighting the need for effective, tailored interventions to support the young people of Barnet in leading healthier lives.

Cllr Alison Moore, Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board at Barnet Council, said: “I am delighted to see this innovative weight management service launched for young people in Barnet. Addressing both physical and mental health and wellbeing, this programme will provide invaluable support to our young residents at a critical stage of their development, empowering and helping to give them the tools to build healthy habits and to live well into adulthood.”

A key feature of the Barnet service is its personalised health coaching model. Each participant will receive weekly one-to-one coaching sessions, delivered either face-to-face or online, over the course of 12 weeks. These sessions are designed to help young people develop healthy habits, maintain motivation, and overcome challenges.

“Our goal with this service is to empower young people in Barnet to take control of their health,” said Michaela de la Fosse, Operations Manager at DDM Health. “The evidence-based programme is co-developed with adolescent obesity specialists at Berkshire NHS Trust, ensuring it meets the specific needs of young people. We want to ensure that every young person has access to personalised support, whether through face-to-face coaching or our easy-to-use digital platform.”

Residents can access the service by referral via their GP or by self-referral. To check eligibility and register, please visit: https://www.grohealth.com/barnet

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