Families on the Central Coast are enjoying the benefits of a free after-school program to help children be more active and eat healthier.

Mothers Priyanka Kunner, Kulwinder Kaur and Rajwinder Kaur are from a tight-knit community of Indian families living in The Entrance and Long Jetty.

They enrolled their children Nysha, Rehmatt and Jazzmeet in NSW Health’s Go4Fun program, which involves group activities and games, while families learn fun ways to create healthy habits for life.

The children are all school friends and recently completed the 10-week program at The Entrance Community Centre.

“We really wanted our kids to learn healthy eating habits, but what’s great about the program is that it’s learning while away from the screen, being active and making friends,” Priyanka said.

“Every time they come home from school on a Wednesday, they tell us it’s time for Go4Fun. They really look forward to it each week.”

The program, which is run locally by Central Coast Local Health District’s Health Promotion Service, is also benefiting the rest of the family, with the children passing on what they’ve learnt to their younger siblings.

“Everything is positive in the way they learn throughout the program,” Kulwinder said. “They’ve been learning about sugar content, how to read labels and the difference between ‘sometimes’ and ‘everyday’ foods. In a positive and fun environment, they really take it in.”

“Rehmatt is a bit of a fussy eater, so it’s been good to hear about nutrition from someone else rather than a parent. Now she’s even teaching her sister about healthy food.”

Rajwinder said the families have really noticed the difference in the children since taking part in the program.

“We used to have white bread in the house but, since starting the program, when we’re shopping Jazz asks us to buy multigrain bread,” she said.

“The children have loved playing the games too, and they are more active now than ever before.”

Now the mums say they will be enrolling the children’s younger siblings into the program when they are old enough.

“Nysha has been very excited to show off her Go4Fun lunchbox, water bottle and skipping rope she got for taking part in the program,” Priyanka said.

“Her younger brother Shivansh has been hearing all about it from his sister. Now he can’t wait to join the program too.”

Go4Fun is a health and wellbeing program for children aged seven to 13 to enjoy together with their families. The program was previously open only to families with children above a healthy weight, however, it is now open to any interested families.

Programs run every school term, with the next set taking place in February at The Entrance Community Centre and Gosford Olympic Pool, while an Aboriginal culturally adapted version of the program, run by Bungree Aboriginal Association and available to all families, will take place at Lake Haven Recreation Centre. Go4Fun Online is also available to families at times that suit them.

To register for the program, or for more information, visit go4fun.com.au or call 1800 780 900 or text 0409 745 645 for a call back.