Pinks Mag 003

Sout h Tyneside Lifest yle Choices C.I.C. is a free weight loss advice and support service that was founded in April by
Director Julie Stephenson, and with the support of Directors Claire Graham and Julie Simpson the business is now thriving.
The service was well needed in the area as South Tyneside has one of the highest obesity rates in the UK. Consequently
following a lifelong battle with obesity in 2005 Julie Stephenson` s uncle Andrew Bond (pictured) lost his life aged only 41
suffering a heart attack caused by morbid obesity. Julie says: "it's so dreadfully upsetting as Andrew had wanted to lose
weight once he had realised how serious his situation was, unfortunately for Andrew it was too late". Julie went on to study
Sport and Exercise Sciences at University of Sunderland, where she became engrossed in the subject of weight management
and studied this in depth as part of her final year project. People are living a very poor quality of life due to weight issues and
as a result some people are dying prematurely, when given the correct advice and support this is highly preventable!
Julie adds:"Educating individuals so they understand the importance of good nutrition and benefits to exercise participation
is paramount, but there are many variables to consider, and each individual may require a different approach". As well as
offering advice during the FREE weekly meeting individuals can also get personal advice. They meet every Saturday at New
Hope Church, Robinson Street, Westoe in South Shields 9.30-10.30am. They offer FREE professional advice and support as
well as the option to get weighed and measured all services are free but any donations will help cover cost of room hire and
equipment, as a registered not for profit organisation any profits are re-invested back into the business. The company have
been highly successful in obtaining funding and support from local businesses. The have had support from ASDA, Wilkinsons,
Community Corner, Greenshift Education Services, Kate's Slimming and Fitness and Guilt Free Kitchen. Julie Stephenson says'
we simply could not do it without all the ongoing valuable support'. Last year the company designed a Heart health
programme which was delivered in partnership with Angel Harrison from Greenshift Education Services. The programme was
funded by Heart Research UK with a £10,000 grant. The programme was delivered to 24 primary schools across the borough
focusing on year 5 children. Feedback from the children, parents and schools was very positive. The company have just been
successful in obtaining £8,892 from the Big Lotto with an Awards for all grant. The grant will allow them to deliver a weekly
weight loss session and monthly healthy cooking classes.
The cooking classes will be held at South Tyneside College monthly at various dates.
Anyone w ishing t o obt ain m ore inform at ion can em ail Julie or Claire
sout ht ynesidelifest ylechoices@hot m ail.co.uk
or call
07964 678551.