Dear colleagues,
From the Netherlands, we would like to share our experience with our integral community approach. Currently we are active in 108 municipalities, reaching over half a million young people (0-19 yrs old). Many of these municipalities have shown positive results. Below this message you will find some information about our programme and please also have a look at our attached brochure. Don't hesistate to contact me in case you have any remaining questions.
Kind regards, Lideke Middelbeek
Jongeren Op Gezond Gewicht (JOGG/Young People at a Healthy Weight) is a movement which encourages all people in a city, town or neighbourhood to make healthy food and exercise an easy and attractive lifestyle option for young people (0-19). It focuses on children and adolescents themselves, along with their parents and direct environment. JOGG advocates a local approach in which not just the parents and health professionals, but also shopkeepers, companies, schools and local authorities join hands to ensure that young people remain at a healthy weight. The Dutch JOGG-approach is based on the successful French EPODE approach (see also the contribution of Ms. Pauline Harper on this forum) and consist of 5 pillars:
– Political and governmental support
– Cooperation between the private and public sector (public private partnerships)
– Social marketing
– Scientific coaching and evaluation
– Linking prevention and healthcare
Currently 108 municipalities in the Netherlands are using the JOGG-approach to promote a healthy weight among their youth. At national level JOGG is coordinated by the foundation Jongeren Op Gezond Gewicht, based in The Hague.
Ms. Lideke Middelbeek