DDM and Walsall Council launch Weight Management Programme for Young People and Families

Young people aged 12 to 19 and their families in Walsall can now benefit from free, personalised support through a newly launched weight management programme, delivered by DDM Health in partnership with Walsall Council Public Health.

The service, powered by the award-winning Gro Health platform, offers a blend of digital and face-to-face support, helping adolescents and their families to make sustainable lifestyle changes through evidence-based interventions.

Tackling a growing challenge

Overweight and obesity continue to pose significant health challenges in Walsall. For children and young people, excess weight can impact both physical and mental health and increase the risk of long-term conditions later in life, such as Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

This new service aims to intervene early, equipping young people with the tools, confidence and support to build lifelong healthy habits.

“We are excited to launch this new service for young people and their families in Walsall. Our goal is to empower them to live healthier and more active lives, which is key to improving health outcomes across the borough.” - Cllr Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Health and Wellbeing, Walsall Council

What the programme offers

The Gro Health programme provides free access to:

• Interactive group sessions focusing on nutrition, physical activity and self-esteem
• Culturally relevant guidance on eating well and preparing healthy meals
• Fun, inclusive physical activity sessions
• Ongoing digital support through the Gro Health app, including personalised goals, progress tracking and on-demand health content

The service aligns with NICE guidelines and supports the ambitions of the Council’s We Are Walsall 2040 strategy to ensure residents are “healthy and well.”

“We are delighted to be working with Walsall Council to deliver a new, innovative service tailored to the needs of local young people and their families. This programme is about far more than weight – it’s about equipping adolescents with the tools, confidence and support they need to thrive.” - Charlotte Summers, Chief Operations Manager, DDM Health

The programme is open to young people aged 12–19 living in Walsall and families who wish to support their young person’s health journey.

Families and professionals can learn more and refer by visiting: www.grohealth.com/walsall.