A ‘unique’ programme to support people who are overweight or suffering from obesity is set to launch in Preston.

Preston North End Community and Education Trust has secured a contract from Lancashire County Council to deliver the weight management programme for the next two years.

The programme is designed to help people achieve long-term and sustainable weight loss.

It will encourage participants to make lifelong changes to eating habits, help them overcome barriers to weight loss, make sensible dietary choices, and become more active.

The Trust says the programme will be ‘unique’ and unlike other traditional weight loss programmes, supporting individuals to lead healthier and more active lifestyles by catering to individuals’ needs.

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The provision will include online delivery for anyone wishing to take part from home, and community-based delivery with group sessions in settings across Preston and the surrounding areas.

There will also be a direct link to the FIT FANS programme, which sees a weekly 90-minute weekly session made up of a classroom and exercise workshop delivered at Deepdale.

FIT FANS was delivered by the Trust for the first time late last year when 43 participants took part in the programme. They achieved an average weight loss of 5.1kg after being empowered to make positive changes.

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Deputy Chief Executive of the Trust Harriet Creighton-Levis said: “We are delighted to be the partner of choice for the Tier Two Weight Management contract in Preston, working in partnership with Lancashire County Council and Public Health England to tackle the health inequalities across Preston.

“The programme will have a holistic approach with our participants’ needs at its core. Our team will mentor individuals, develop their physical, mental, and emotional health, while taking social factors into consideration.

“Therefore, we will have a range of provision, designed to meet individuals’ needs, including face-to-face delivery and online delivery.

“We want to support our football family and the local community on their weight loss journey and this programme will bring participants closer to the stadium and the club through its delivery model.

“Our team believe that by providing the correct tools and environment for our participants, we will increase independence and self-determination, empowering individuals to make positive changes.”

For more information, visit the PNE website, where there is an online sign-up form available, or contact hannah.white@pne.com.

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