NHS Norfolk health trainers are the people who can help. Based in Norwich, Thetford and King’s Lynn, they work hard to support people across the county lead healthier lives.

To coincide with National Obesity Week, King’s Lynn Health Trainers are at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn, today until 3pm in the main foyer, and then at Tesco, Hardwick, tomorrow from 9.30am until 3pm.

The team will be promoting healthy eating and increased physical activity. They will be asking people to complete a short questionnaire to gauge their current levels of physical activity, and referring them for further support as necessary.

Vicky Mitchell, Health Trainer Co-ordinator for the King’s Lynn area, said: “Health trainers provide the additional information, support and motivation to help people achieve the health improvements they have decided to make. Anyone considering changing their lifestyle and behaviours to improve their health should contact us.”

The Norwich Health Trainers are holding an event in Anglia Square on January 29 from 9am to 5pm which aims to support people around healthy eating and physical activity issues. They will also be in the foyer at ASDA on February 3 from 11am to 3pm.

Visitors will be able to gain advice and support from Health Trainers, undertake mini lifestyle assessments including having their Body Max Index (BMI) measured and take away freebies, including the Change4Life money off voucher book for ASDA.

They will then be given advice on how to achieve a healthier and more active lifestyle. NHS Norfolk’s Joy of Food team will demonstrate the art of cooking healthy food. There will be taster demonstrations too.

Becky Mazzei, Health Trainer Co-ordinator for the Norwich area, said: “Norwich Health Trainer Service works with people who wish to make healthy lifestyle changes and need a little extra support to make it happen. Making small changes to your lifestyle can be very rewarding and help to reduce stress and anxiety, increase self confidence and help you live longer.

“If you can’t make it to the event then please call us to discuss how we can support you.”

Meanwhile, Thetford Health Trainers are holding a ‘New Year New You’ community event on January 29 at the Methodist Church (opposite Specsavers) in Tanner Street, Thetford, from 10am to 2pm.

Anyone can come along on the day to sign up to the service. There are lots of fun activities planned, including demonstrations of special ageing software.

Visitors will be invited to have their photo taken and entered onto the software which can then show them what they could look like in the future if they move up the obesity scale or carry on smoking. NHS Norfolk’s Joy of Food team will also be at the event, to offer hints and tips on how to eat more healthily.

Sarah Lynam, Health Trainer Co-ordinator for the Thetford area, said: “The service could help you to make a significant lifestyle change and is here for anyone who is keen to change an aspect of their life, and is looking for support.

“National Obesity Week is the perfect time for people to find out more about the service health trainers offer in all areas. Contacting us could be the difference in helping you achieve your goal.”

Health trainers work on a one-to-one basis with their clients to help them set and achieve their own personal health improvement goals, such as reducing their alcohol consumption, stopping smoking, adopting a healthy diet or increasing the amount of exercise they take.

The Health Trainer Service is free, and aimed at anyone aged over 16 who is looking to make a healthier start in 2011. It is funded by NHS Norfolk and is staffed by Health Trainers who are recruited from the local community.

While they are not personal trainers or physical instructors and do not give medical advice, the trainers provide free motivation, encouragement and bespoke support to people who want to make changes to their lifestyle.

Call the King’s Lynn Health Trainer Service on 01553 782629. People living in Norwich can call 01603 625093 and in Thetford call 01842 757341.

To find out more about the Health Trainer Service, visit the NHS Norfolk website at www.norfolk.nhs.uk and click on “Your Services”.

For more details about National Obesity Week 2011, visit: www.nationalobesityforum.org.uk