AN online fitness programme, which offers personal support to families and young people, is now open for Thurrock residents to sign up for.

The award-winning BeeZee Bodies programme will launch on Monday, 26 September is free for those who wish to participate as they take healthy steps to improve their lifestyles. It is the first of three such courses to be offered to borough families over the next year and it is hoped up to 800 families will take part.

The course, which is costing Thurrock Council £110,000, provides access to simple eating advice and fun interactive sessions – helping families take simple steps toward a healthier lifestyle now, which in turn can help prevent health issues later in life.

The funding is part of Thurrock Council's allocation from the government's £400 million 'Contain Outbreak Management Fund', which was created to reduce the spread of coronavirus and help residents that have suffered health deficits as a result of the pandemic.

This includes increases in sedentary behaviour and increased rates of childhood obesity following the periods of lockdown experienced by families.

The council is working with BeeZee Bodies to offer three cohorts of 12 week courses of one-to-one support sessions, fitness and healthy eating classes and access to self-guided learning for families through the academy. 

The council's cabinet member for health, Cllr Deborah Huelin, says: "Eating healthily and living an active lifestyle can be as fun and exciting as you make it. The BeeZee Bodies programme offers a great, free opportunity whereby families can discover delicious meals and how building simple things into their lives can help them live healthier.

"With expert nutritionists on hand throughout the programme to help you find healthy solutions, there is a whole host of support available, completely free of charge. At a time when access to high sugar and high calorie foods and drinks can make it challenging, BeeZee Bodies focuses on promoting a balanced lifestyle that is simple and easy to follow."

Applications to the first course, are now open online. Residents that sign up ahead of the launch can access a number of 1-2-1 support sessions and free online resources.

The Council's own Thurrock Healthy Lifestyle Service are also available to help with free advice and support for adults on weight management, stopping smoking and other aspects of healthy living.