Thousands of families across the UK are now receiving free healthy lifestyle advice and support as a result of an exciting new partnership between the Premiership Rugby clubs and MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition...Do it!).

Devised by child health experts at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, MEND is the biggest provider of free after-school healthy lifestyle clubs, helping over 20,000 families to become fitter, healthier and happier.

Community teams at the Premiership Rugby clubs are delivering the fun exercise and nutrition courses from January 2011 onwards with the aim of highlighting the benefits of healthy living across their local communities.

The healthy living courses aim to get the whole family involved in helping children to change their eating and exercise habits, while learning about nutrition, and with a view to improving overall health, fitness and wellbeing for years to come.

The partnership is on the back of the success of MEND's existing relationship with Northampton Saints, where children celebrated their achievements in the MEND Programme by taking part in a match day guard of honour on the pitch and becoming a member of furry mascot Bernie's Gang.

Parents or carers who think their child is above a healthy weight and would like to register for the MEND Programme can call 0800 230 0263, go to mendcentral.org or email the Saints Community team by clicking here.