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Families throughout Liverpool recently gathered to celebrate the improvements they have made to their health and wellbeing during a visit from England’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy. Her visit included attending a Liv Life Liverpool session at Our Lady Immaculate Primary School, where children and their families who participated in the Healthy Families programme shared their experiences and demonstrated the healthier habits they have adopted together.
The visit was arranged after Dr de Gruchy expressed interest in observing a local service firsthand, meeting the families who benefitted from it, and learning how various partners in the city collaborate to promote healthier communities. Liv Life Liverpool supports residents in making sustainable lifestyle changes through practical, non-judgemental assistance that centers on families improving their health together. Unlike approaches focusing only on weight, this service encourages building confidence, forming better relationships with food, increasing physical activity, and establishing positive habits suitable for everyday family life.
The Healthy Families programme invites children, parents, siblings, and carers to participate jointly, recognizing that enduring change is most effective when the entire family is involved. In partnership with Full of Beans, this six-week initiative equips families with the knowledge and skills necessary for preparing healthier meals, cutting down sugar intake, exploring new foods, increasing physical activity, and enjoying quality time together. One parent reflected on their experience: “It was lovely to do something altogether. We don’t always get that time at home, so this felt really special. My girls can be a bit fussy, so seeing them try new things was amazing. They surprised themselves. They both tried passionfruit, avocado, beetroot and beansprouts. Foods I usually wouldn’t buy because I thought they would go to waste. We’ve already started using some of the recipes at home. It’s made me feel more confident about feeding the family well without spending a fortune.” Another adult participant added, “Liv Life Liverpool really keeps you focused on making healthier choices. It helps with eating better and exercising, keeps you motivated and gives you encouragement. Even if things don’t always go to plan, everyone is supportive and non-judgemental. They’ve shown me healthy options that work for my lifestyle.”
Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy commented on the visit: “It was a privilege to visit Our Lady Immaculate Primary School in Everton to see how the Healthy Families programme is supporting families in Liverpool to develop healthier habits. Building good habits in childhood sets children up for life, and allows families to focus on what matters most to them. The programme recognises the importance of a whole family approach in supporting each and every child to learn to enjoy healthy food and physical activity and enable families to make long term changes in their lives. The work being done between Liv Life Liverpool, Liverpool City Council, schools and other settings, and local communities is a great example of what can be achieved through strong partnerships and local relationships.”
Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, also praised the programme: “It is inspiring to see families sharing the positive changes they have made through Liv Life Liverpool. The service is helping people build healthier habits, grow in confidence and make changes that will benefit them for years to come. We’re proud to be supporting communities across Liverpool to lead healthier, happier lives.” Meanwhile, Professor Matthew Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool City Council, emphasized the comprehensive nature of the service: “We know that maintaining a healthy weight is influenced by many different factors, which is why Liv Life Liverpool takes an emotionally informed, whole-family approach. The service has been designed with our communities to provide practical, compassionate support that helps people make sustainable changes for the long term. It was a great opportunity to show the Deputy Chief Medical Officer how Liverpool is bringing together schools, community organisations and health partners to tackle health inequalities and improve outcomes for residents.”
Liv Life Liverpool, launched in January 2025, offers free support programs for children, families, adults, and expectant parents through schools, community venues, and online sessions citywide. The service, created collaboratively with local communities and partner organisations, contributes to Liverpool’s wider strategy to improve health and reduce inequalities by empowering residents to live healthier and happier lives. People can access support through self-referral or by consulting healthcare professionals. Alongside family programmes, adults and pregnant women can also benefit from the Best You app, which provides personalised advice, goal setting, and continuous encouragement. For more information, individuals can visit www.livlifeliverpool.org, text LIVLIFE to 66777, or call 0800 488 0551
Read the full article on Liverpool Express here: Read More
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