What is Healthier Me?
A funded project responding to the needs of people with a learning disability A learning disability is to do with the way someone's brain works. It makes it harder for someone to learn, understand or do things. and families to make healthier choices. 13 of our affiliated Network Partners delivered varying projects to enable their community A community is the people and places in an area. to be ‘A Healthier Me.’
What we did
The projects looked at:
- Providing healthy eating information
- Growing vegetables and herbs
- Cooking healthier meals
- How to make healthy choices when shopping
What we know
We know there is a lot of information about healthy eating that is not always clear.
- 37.5% of people with a learning disability are classed as obese. This is higher than people who do not have a learning disability. ( NHS The NHS is the National Health Service. The NHS gives free healthcare to everyone in the UK and includes things like your GP (doctors) surgery and hospitals. Digital, 2019)
- 6.4% of people with a learning disability are classed as underweight. This is higher than people who do not have a learning disability.(NHS Digital, 2019).
Our pack
We have created a resource pack for you to download to help you start your journey making healthier choices. It includes:
- Healthy eating information
- Activities
- Recipes
- Meal planner.
Changing habbits
Check out how our eating habits have changed over time and get some tips on how to eat healthily in this video from Carlisle Mencap.
Make your own healthy recipies
Want to create and add your own Healthier Me recipes?
Download our free breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack templates and share your recipes with us on social media using #AHealthierMe.
Trusted advice
Whether you or someone you know has a learning disability, our list of recommended resources (PDF) can help you find good quality information on how to eat healthily and make positive changes to your lifestyle.
NHS has lots of resources to help you understand what eating healthily means and how you can do it.
For further information please e-mail [email protected].
Impact of Healthier Me
Read how Healthier Me impacted the Network Partner groups and the lives of those who participated:
You can speak to your doctor if you think you are allergic to some foods
Speak to your doctor for advice or visit Diabetes UK’s
website
A website is a page you can go to on the internet like Google or YouTube.
for more information
Some doctors surgeries can refer you to a local weight management programme or to a specialist.
With thanks to Bexley Mencap, Carlisle Mencap, Colchester Gateway Clubs, Heart of England Mencap, Hertsmere Mencap, Kingston Mencap, Mencap Liverpool & Sefton, Midland Mencap, Mid Surrey Mencap, New Forest Mencap, Nottingham Mencap, Pennine Mencap and Yatton House Society.
