Council calls on local businesses to get involved in Change4Life
Merton Council is calling on local businesses to be part of the major Change4Life event in Morden Park on 31 August from 12noon until 5.00pm.
Merton has been chosen as one of six London boroughs and one of only 10 boroughs nationally to stage a Change4Life event. Backed by the council this high profile campaign, which was initiated by the Department of Health, focuses on the health and well being of the community.
Businesses and organisations wishing to be part of Merton’s Change4Life should contact: Charlie Simm, Leisure and Cultural Services, Merton Civic Centre, 12th Floor, London Road, Morden, Surrey SM4 5DX, e-mail leisure@merton.gov.uk or telephone 020 8545 3956.
With at least 5,000 people expected to attend, Merton’s Change4Life is the ideal event for organisations and businesses to showcase their products and services. Dance troops, music groups, sports clubs, children’s groups, organisations for older people, youth clubs and environmental groups can all get involved. Restaurants are welcome to tender for catering contracts to provide healthy food for the thousands of revellers expected.
Merton’s annual horticultural show, always a hot favourite with residents eager to show off their gardening prowess, will be part of the Change4Life event.
Merton Council cabinet member for adult care services and health Councillor Maurice Groves said: “I am proud that Merton has been chosen as one of only 10 boroughs across the UK to host a Change4Life extravaganza. We want as many local businesses and organisations as possible to get involved. With the numbers expected, this is an opportunity not to be missed.
“Change4Life is all about making small changes to help every one of us become healthier in body and mind. This event will give many of us a taste for healthy living. It will also provide everyone who comes along with the opportunity to try something new like swimming, dancing or martial arts.
Healthy staff are important in driving companies’ profitability. Equally, encouraging the wider community to lead a healthy lifestyle clearly demonstrates a company’s commitment to being socially responsible. I am sure many businesses and interest groups in Merton will benefit from this initiative. Ten thousand residents came to our Cultural Olympiad weekend at Wimbledon Park last summer. The public appetite for cultural events in our wonderful green open spaces is growing. Come on board make this a day to remember. Please give Charlie or myself a call, and get involved!”
For further information and stall booking forms log onto http://www.merton.gov.uk/change4life
-ENDS-
Notes to editors
Merton Council and Sutton and Merton PCT are part of the Change4Life movement. In order to maintain a healthy weight we need to both eat well and move more. Many families are making changes that will help them live healthier and longer lives. Visit http://www.nhs.uk/change4life or call 0300 123 4567 for more information.