Bath & North East Somerset SUGAR SMART Launch a sweet success

Bath and North East Somerset have become the latest community to embrace the Sugar Smart UK initiative, helping residents make informed choices about their food and drink. Following extensive local research, the areas of Radstock & Westfield were found to have some of the highest rates of obesity and tooth decay among young people. As a result, The Radstock & Westfield Big Local team have made a commitment to reduce the amount of sugar consumed in their community.

On Saturday 20th May, the Radstock and Westfield Big Local team joined forces with the Virgin Care Healthy Lifestyle Service at the Round-about Radstock Community Festival to share advice and freebies to inspire local residents to cut down on sugar. A follow up event at Westfield Fun Day was held on Sunday 4th June.

Despite the rainy weather, team connected with well over 300 residents between both events, who learned about healthy alternatives to sugary drinks, downloaded the SUGAR SMART free app and took part in family-friendly activities. The highlight of the events was certainly the Human Fruit Machine, which handed out delicious fruit and goody bags to help people on their SUGAR SMART journeys.

Sarah Westell, Big Local Programme Coordinator, added: “One mum had approached us to say that her daughter dragged her friends out of their houses to come and play the Human Fruit Machine. It was such an opportunity to make a difference in our community.”

Are you inspired to take action in your area to help reduce sugar overconsumption? Register on the SUGAR SMART website and get the resources you need to make a difference in your community.