Objective: To document the lifestyle health impacts (activity, diet and physiological), along with the operational success and challenges, of a programme for families presenting one or more coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factor. Design: Data are based on a wider evaluation of a government-funded community initiative conducted in a deprived area of Liverpool (UK) between September 2004 and January 2006. Setting: Data are based on readings and responses taken by programme staff, and Liverpool John Moores University evaluation exercises held within May Logan Healthy Living Centre. Method: Lifestyle behaviour changes, monitored at weeks 1, 7 and 14 and at 6 months, for 34 families were analysed. Further exploration of programme success and challenges was through focus groups with families and interviews with staff. Results: Sustained changes in activity and diet support the viability of a short and supportive programme in reducing CHD risks. Physiological change was less positive, suggesting limited improvement in this domain. Personal, environmental and cultural factors presented as a challenge to programme success. (Contains 4 tables.)