Hearty Lives (Liverpool): a case study-based evaluation of a project designed to promote healthy eating and lifestyles in looked after young people

Abstract

Hearty Lives (Liverpool): a case study-based evaluation of a project designed to promote healthy eating and lifestyles in looked after young people http://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/10578/ Article LJMU has developed LJMU Research Online for users to access the research output of the University more effectively. AbstractThis article will be of interest to all practitioners who recognise the growing body of evidence focussing on the importance of health for looked after children and young people. Unhealthy weight and lifestyle is specific issue for young people who are in the care of their local authorities, whether living at home with parents under the supervision of social services, with foster carers, or in a residential children's home.There is a close relationship between food, nutrition and family connectedness.Following the principles of Appreciative Inquiry, this small -scale evaluation of the Hearty Lives (Liverpool) project, uses a case study approach to gain insight into the learning and experiences of those who were involved in interventions to promote healthy eating and lifestyles in looked after young people. Learning gained through the evaluation may provide useful insights to practitioners and organisations who are interested in developing similar projects or interventions.

How are health, nutrition, and physical activity discussed in international guidelines and standards for children in care? A narrative review

“…34 The profound impact of trauma combined with individual and systemic barriers pose significant challenges to CiC engaging in healthy lifestyle behaviours -especially in comparison to children not in care. [34][35][36] Subsequently, the broad health promotion guidance that is communicated to the general youth population (e.g., eat healthy food, engage in regular physical activity) may not be sufficient to meet the unique health needs of CiC. Instead, a trauma-informed approach to care is necessary to promote the development of healthy lifestyle practices among CiC.…”

“…61 Three of the five legislative documents (two from the USA and one from New Zealand) broadly stated that CiC should receive nutritious food, and that the deprivation of food or drink was not an acceptable form of punishment. 41,[46][47] Only two out of nine statutory documents (both from the UK) 43,36 mentioned nutrition, stating that CiC are to be provided with a healthy balanced diet, yet did not include any further guidance around what this entails from a health promotion perspective. 60 In contrast, four out of six international departmental documents, all from the UK, provided more specific guidance for carers around promoting nutrition and healthy eating among CiC.…”

The weight of looked after children and their carers: implications and outcomes

“…One such initiative is Food in Care (www.foodincare.org.uk/) which provides a food resource pack to all those caring for looked after children. This was developed by an earlier project, Hearty Lives Liverpool, discussed in a previous edition of this journal (Medforth, et al., 2019). Another initiative is One Body One Life, a community-based, free weight management programme that includes healthy eating workshops and physical activity sessions.…”