Health and community professionals have praised a Somerset healthier eating initiative as “excellent and impactful”, with one participant calling it “probably the most beneficial and useful course” they had completed.
Focusing on MORE is a health promotion initiative with engaging delivery that encourages interaction and empowers attendees to make more confident decisions around food choices that can result in positive health gains for all.
The positive response has prompted a call for more voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations across Somerset to take advantage of the training.
Hundreds of post-training evaluation forms have been completed, with participants praising the quality, practical value and potential impact of the workshops.
A pharmacy technician from West Mendip said:
“This was probably the most beneficial and useful course I have done. I think it should be attended by all healthcare professionals, and even university students, as the benefits of the knowledge would make such a difference in the long term.”
A colleague from a Dementia Team described it as “the most interesting and useful training session I have done in a long time”, adding:
“I feel this should be made mandatory so that we can all benefit from the knowledge they teach.”
An Armed Forces Community Officer said:
“This project is incredibly exciting and has the potential to achieve huge gains in preventative health.”
A Health Connector Manager in Mendip added:
“This was one of the most useful sessions on nutrition and food I have ever attended, in particular the positive approach to food.”
A positive approach to healthier eating
The half-day workshop builds participants’ knowledge and confidence in supporting positive, compassionate and sustainable approaches to healthier eating.
Rather than focusing on restriction or judgement, Focusing on MORE explores the practical changes people can make by eating more of the foods that support their health.
The workshops cover:
- The gut microbiome and its importance for overall health
- How compassionate, non-judgemental conversations can support positive behaviour change
- The impact of food processing on nutritional quality
- Evidence-based ways to eat more foods that support gut health
- Practical ideas and resources for overcoming common barriers to healthier eating
Participants receive clear, consistent and evidence-based information that they can use themselves and share with the individuals, families and communities they support.
Councillor Evie Potts-Jones, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Public Health, said:
“It is fantastic to see such positive feedback for Focusing on MORE. Helping people to have confident, compassionate conversations about food and healthier choices can make a real difference in our communities.
“We want to support the organisations and volunteers who work closely with residents every day. This training gives them useful, practical information they can share to help people take small, positive steps towards better health.”
The quality of the training delivery has also attracted praise. A health coach from North Sedgemoor said:
“It was an absolutely excellent session. The passion, knowledge and commitment to patients were plain to see and feel.”
A Head of Service described the training as “really excellent and impactful” and expressed an interest in commissioning more sessions for colleagues who had not yet attended.
Supporting Somerset’s communities
VCFSE organisations play an important role in supporting residents’ health and wellbeing and are often well placed to share positive health messages with local communities.
The workshops are open to staff and volunteers from VCFSE organisations across Somerset. A limited number of places may also be available for active community champions who want to promote healthier lifestyles locally.
In-person workshops are being delivered at locations across Somerset. Shorter 30-minute online taster sessions are also available for those unable to attend a full workshop, alongside further continuing professional development opportunities.
To find out more, visit Focusing on MORE or book a place through Eventbrite.
