The Office of the Advocate for Children and Young People (ACYP), with the involvement of the Department of Premier and Cabinet and NSW Health, last week launched the ‘Biggest Recess’ which will be held on Friday 28 October as the lead initiative of Children’s Week 2016.

Andrew Johnson, Advocate for Children and Young People, said it was everyone’s responsibility to ensure children today grow up healthy and well, so they can live full and active lives through a balance of exercise and healthy eating.

“We all play a part in influencing the behaviour and habits of the children in our lives.

It is often difficult to communicate messages about healthy eating and exercise, so the Biggest Recess is a light-hearted and interactive event that centres around role-modelling for adults, parents and guardians to promote healthy behaviours to the children in their lives,” said Mr Johnson.

The Biggest Recess encourages adults to think about the fun and playful times they had at school and with friends, and bring that sense of adventure into the office.

“Fun activities such as an office egg and spoon race, hula hoop competition or musical chairs, and preparing healthy snacks and eating together during ‘Recess’ are just some of the ways organisations can participate.

“The Biggest Recess only takes 20 minutes out of a busy working week and is an easy and fun way to learn more about how we can role model healthy behaviours for the children in our lives,” added Mr Johnson.

TV personality and Editor-at-Large News.com.au, Melissa Hoyer, is an official Biggest Recess ambassador.
“As a mother of a fourteen-year-old boy, I’m always mindful of how my behaviour influences my son, especially when it comes to his health and wellness.

“The Biggest Recess is a fantastic way to highlight how important modelling good behaviour is and the impact that adults have on children,” said Ms Hoyer.

More than one in five children in New South Wales are estimated to be overweight or obese.
Executive Director of the Centre for Population Health, Dr Jo Mitchell said the Biggest Recess was a valuable opportunity to get communities talking about their health.

“There are also many programs and support services on offer, such as the Get Healthy Service, to help people make positive changes that will improve their family’s health and well-being,” said Dr Mitchell.

The Biggest Recess website is packed with activities, recipes, and materials to help organisations get involved.
The Biggest Recess is aimed at corporate and government organisations across NSW, who can participate by hosting office activities and preparing healthy snacks.

For more information and to register your team or organisation’s participation, visit www.biggestrecess.nsw.gov.au
Families who just want to learn more about making healthy changes, can go to the Make Healthy Normal website www.makehealthynormal.nsw.gov.au

There is information about healthy eating and active living as well as support services, including the free Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service (1300 806 258) for adults.