Food: What's Available in Crawley?

Are you ready to make a change today? Have a look at what's available now in Crawley. If you have any questions, contact us on 01293 585317, email wellbeing@crawley.gov.uk or complete our online enquiry form.

NEW ~ Change4Life Just For Me

One of the best ways to be healthy is to make some swaps and build them into your life for the long term. The more you do, the better you'll feel - and you won't have to say 'no' to everything.

Click to visit the change4life website for tips and ideas intended to get you started on a path to better health. If you want to lose significant amounts of weight or have an existing health condition you may want to consult your doctor.

Weight Off Workshops (WoW)

WoW is a 10 week weight-management programme that Crawley Wellbeing is running on behalf of the GP surgeries in Crawley. the programme consists of weekly two-hour sessions over a 10 week course that combines nutritional advice with low-level physical activity. To qualify for WoW you must be over 18, have a BMI (Body Mass Index) of around 30*, have a desire to commit to the programme and be able to make the weekly sessions. To take part ask your GP or practice nurse to complete the Weight Off Workshops referral form (700kb) today or contact us.
*Speak to your GP to see if you qualify. Try an on-line BMI calculator to get an estimate of your BMI.

Lucy Bartholomew recently completed a WoW course and lost 14lbs over 10 weeks. This did not involve following a set diet but making small changes to her eating and activity resulting in a big difference to her health and wellbeing. Lucy said: "I've lost weight and gained confidence, motivation and a new lust for life. My diet changes have been simple and I'm no longer ruled by food. For the first time ever I am embracing exercise and how good it makes me feel. WoW is an incredible life changing experience."

One-to-One support with your local Health Trainer

Crawley has three Health Trainers on hand to give one-to-one advice to people who want to lead healthier lives. This free service is available to adults aged 18-65 who want support on anything from diet, exercise, quitting smoking or cutting back on alcohol. You can receive six to eight sessions with a Health Trainer over three months. Health Trainers are there to support you through the process. One person who skipped meals, snacked on crisps and chocolate and ate regular takeaways has made significant progress. "She wanted to improve her diet," said Sonya Nacev, a Health Trainer. "Now she's eating three balanced meals a day and carries satsumas in her pocket as a snack. She feels so much better and the change in diet has improved her mental wellbeing." For more information call the Health Trainers on 01293 657154 or download a leaflet.

Groups for children who are overweight

Within Crawley we also run some specific groups for children aged 7 - 13 years who need help in understanding a healthy lifestyle. These are called MEND (Mind Exercise Nutrition Do It!) and are successful courses run across the UK. Courses are free to attend, are twice weekly for 12 weeks and the child has to attend along with a parent or guardian. Contact Jacqueline Smith on 01903 708437 for more information.

Free 'Get Cooking' Sessions

Do you want to improve your cookery skills, prepare healthy cheap food and learn simple ways of improving you and your family’s nutrition?
Various courses starting in Crawley in October. Often with free crèche. click on the link for more details
For further information or to book a place on a course please ring Lucinda on 01444 457080

Cardio-Vascular Risk Nurse Specialist

By looking after ourselves, especially our hearts, it becomes easier to grow old healthily, without having to cope with the burden of too much illness.

Most people gain a little weight as the years go by. A few pounds over time are fine but people who gain more than 20lbs compared to their weight as an 18-year-old will rapidly increase the risk of health problems. Being overweight can also play a part in causing high blood pressure, as can lack of exercise, too much salt in the diet and not eating enough fruit and veg. This is where the Cardiac Risk Nurse, based at Crawley Hospital, comes in. His aim is to help individuals shake off the risk of chronic illness by looking after their hearts. Click to download a flyer with more information. If you have high blood pressure or cholesterol, suffer from diabetes or have a weight issue call Crawley Wellbeing.

Local weight loss groups

There are groups that you can go to who will provide you with diet plans and exercise regimens to help you to lose weight. Going regularly can motivate you to keep going and and get helpful hints and tips along the way.
In Crawley the following groups operate:

Weightwatchers - 01403 217203
Rosemary Conley - 01737 761442
Crawley Slimming Club - 01293 776478

Click to return to the main Food page