The Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids campaign is once again kicking off in Singleton to give local ads the opportunity to learn about the latest information on nutrition and exercise, while pending quality time with their kids.

The campaign is a partnership between the Coal & Allied Community Development Fund, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Hunter New England Health and the University of Newcastle.

The program begins on Wednesday 23 May and runs over 12 weeks with eight sessions held on Wednesday nights from 5.45pm- 7.15pm.

Local Singleton dad Andrew Speechly participated last year to spend more time with his eight-year-old daughter and get healthy.

“Healthy Dads Healthy Kids allowed me to do fun activities with Isabella but an added bonus was losing 10 kilograms and managing to sustain this weight loss,” Mr Speechly said.

“Through the program, I was exposed to the basic principles of weight loss and found that having Isabella involved motivated me to stick with the program.

“I encourage all dads to get involved and sign up.

“The program includes eight sessions that focus on weight loss, healthy eating and physical activity and it provides a great opportunity to spend quality time with your kids.”

Pictured: Andrew Speechly participated in the Healthy Dads Healthy Kids program with his daughter Isabella and lost 10 kilograms.

Lead investigator Professor Philip Morgan from the University of Newcastle said he was proud to hold Healthy Dads Healthy Kids in Singleton again this year.

“The Singleton program has been very successful in seeing dads lose weight, learn about healthy lifestyles and spend time with their children participating in physical activities,” Professor Morgan said.

“Dads have the important responsibility of setting an example for their children and by developing healthy eating and exercise habits, children can follow their examples and develop healthy lifestyles as well.

“This not only influences dads to learn and develop healthy lifestyle habits but it benefits whole families.”

Coal & Allied Principal Community Investment Stephen Sneddon said Coal & Allied is pleased to support healthy Dads Healthy Kids and is looking forward to reaching out to more Singleton dads this year.

“This program has now run in Newcastle, Singleton, Scone, Maitland, Muswellbrook, and Cessnock and is making a significant and positive difference to the quality of life for many fathers and their families,” Mr Sneddon said.

“Since 2010, we have been pleased to support this program by investing $525,000 over three years through our Coal & Allied Community Development Fund.

“This funding has helped convert the University of Newcastle’s research into a community-owned model that can be managed and run by local people in our Upper Hunter Valley communities into the future.

“A portion of the funding has been used to develop local people with the skill-set and knowledge to assist in the ongoing facilitation of the program in their local communities.

“Coal & Allied understands the importance of healthy lifestyles and we encourage local dads in Singleton to take the initiative to join the program.”

To find out more information about the program or to register, please contact Joel Cruickshank on (02) 4921 6721 or email joel.cruickshank@newcastle.edu.au

Registrations close Friday 18 May 2012.

Website: www.healthydadshealthykids.com.au

Media enquiries:

HMRI - Robbie Macaulay (02) 4985 5359

Coal & Allied- Amy Millar (07) 3625 6715