The Fit for Life Road Show 2014

Stratford-on-Avon District Council and South Warwickshire Dietetic Service are working in partnership with Stratford-upon-Avon College Performing Arts' Department to deliver messages on the importance of healthy eating and regular physical activity to children in primary schools across the District.  

Twenty five Performing Arts studentsfrom Stratford-upon-Avon College have been briefed on the importance of healthy eating and physical activity.  They have been commissioned to create vibrant pieces of theatre relating to the theme that are conveyed in a fun and informative way to primary school children.

This year's Fit for Life Road Show will be delivered to 40 schools across the district, reaching around 10,000 children and takes place all next week between 9 to 13 June.

Performances including:- Healthy Town; Happy is Healthy; Maria Mango and the Golden Five and Prince Broc and the Candy Kingdom.

Councillor Maurice Howse, Portfolio Holder for Enterprise, Housing and Revenues says: “The Theatre in Education Programme provides a valuable opportunity to convey important health messages to primary school children in a fun and informative way.  The programme also provides important workplace experience for the 35 performing arts students who are involved in the programme who would find it difficult to secure individual work experience placements."

There is increasing national concern over the rising levels of obesity in children because of a poor diet and lack of physical activity.  This national award winning programme is now in its 15^th year and aims to convey crucial information to children and through them to their parents and carers as well as providing valuable work experience opportunities for the students involved who would otherwise find it difficult to secure individual commissions.   The programme also makes a significant contribution towards Stratford-upon-Avon College attaining Grade 1 status in performing arts. 

Public Health England data:

• 20% of children aged 4 - 5 in Warwickshire are classified as overweight or obese.   This compares with an England average of 22%.
  
  
• 30.9% of children aged 10 - 11 in Warwickshire are classified as overweight or obese.   This compares with an England average of 44.2%.
  
  
• Although the levels in Warwickshire are lower than England averages, the rates of overweight and obesity in Warwickshire adults is 64.8%.