Sport for Confidence Good Food Good Moves logo

Empowering Healthier Lifestyles

Good Food, Good Moves is a pilot initiative focused on improving nutrition, weight, mealtime engagement and overall health outcomes for people living with a learning disability. The pilot currently supports individuals living in residential care settings across Essex. The team is uniquely made up of a learning disability dietitian, a health and wellbeing mentor specialising in education and teaching around cooking, and a Sport for Confidence occupational therapist.

Why it Matters

People with a learning disability are at increased risk of poor nutrition, weight management challenges and secondary health conditions, which can impact quality of life and life expectancy.

Good Food, Good Moves addresses these challenges through practical, accessible support.

About the Pilot

Launched in July 2025, Good Food, Good Moves is currently being delivered across Essex. The pilot includes face-to-face training sessions, practical ‘in-house’ learning and ongoing support. There has been strong engagement from carers and individuals living with a learning disability. To date, over 200 care homes across Essex have been contacted, with more than 9 training sessions offered across the county.

Participant taking part in a supported cooking activity

Our Aims

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    Increase nutritional intake and maintain healthy weight
  • Icon of a tick in a circle
    Improve engagement and enjoyment at mealtimes
  • Icon of a tick in a circle
    Support healthier food choices and weight management
  • Icon of a tick in a circle
    Promote happier and healthier bodies
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    Reduce the risk of secondary health conditions

How We Support Change

Good Food, Good Moves provides practical, easy-to-use guidance, tips, and tools to support healthier food choices and mealtimes. 

This includes teaching around healthy snacks, portion control, capacity, workplace barriers, and the use of nudging and grading techniques. The programme builds confidence for both carers and individuals living with a learning disability, while encouraging positive, inclusive, and enjoyable mealtime experiences.

Participant taking part in a supported cooking activity

MAKING A POSITIVE IMPACT

Download our Recipe Book

This cookbook is designed to be used by anyone within the learning disability community; we hope Carers, Family Members and the individuals themselves find this recipe book helpful!

Looking For More?

You can download additional Good Food, Good Moves resources using this link.

In partnership with

Essex County Council logo