Students urged to back healthy living project

Sharon Vickers, a nurse at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, is looking for schoolchildren to be involved in the Youth Health Leaders (YHL) project which will encourage young people to champion good health among their peers.

It is hoped children will become health leaders at schools across the region, and be trained to direct their peers to appropriate information and support on topics such as healthy eating, first aid, alcohol, drugs, mental health and sexual health.

Sharon said: “I want to stress that we will be educating the youngsters to signpost pupils to resources and information, such as directing them to health services, advice lines, school nurses.

“We will not be asking them to educate their peers or give out advice.

“I hope this project also gives out a positive message about possible career options within the NHS, and strong links can be made between our trust and local schools and colleges.”

Blackpool Council, St John’s Ambulance and nurses have already backed the scheme, with St Mary’s College in Blackpool the first school to support the programme.

If other schools wish to adopt the scheme headteachers can invite Sharon to their school by calling (01253) 953862.