Kent
Young people in Dartford speak out on health
Dr Howard Stoate MP visits Dartford YMCA club to promote new youth health campaign
Young people at the Thames Gateway South YMCA in Dartford discussed their views and concerns on health with Dr Howard Stoate MP on Monday 11 May 2009 as part of the Make Space for Health campaign.
Dr Howard Stoate, MP for Dartford, said:
“As an MP, Member of the Health Select Committee and GP, I have read the evidence and witnessed first-hand how health advice can make a real difference to young people’s lives when delivered in places where young people feel comfortable and relaxed. Programmes such as Make Space for Health are vital in ensuring that community agencies work together effectively to help set young people on course for leading healthy, happy lives.”
The event took place following the publication of the TellUs3 Local Authority Report. Encouragingly, the report revealed that 26% (compared with a national average of 23%) say they get their five a day. However, less positive was the news that the number of young people in the Borough who smoke on a daily basis and have tried drugs is slightly higher than the national average. 7% (compared to a national average of 6%) admitted to smoking cigarettes on a daily basis and 13% of older students (compared to a national average of 11%) said they had tried drugs.
Make Space for Health is designed to help young people who may not have access to support in more traditional medical or school settings. It is being developed with the support of an advisory panel of academic, health and Government experts including renowned health columnist Dr Miriam Stoppard.
Young people attending the event participated in a fun cookery demonstration hosted by a Nestlé chef who taught them some quick and simple healthy recipes. Dr Stoate MP then led a discussion with the young people on issues ranging from how healthy they perceive themselves to be to how they would most like to access trustworthy advice and support.
Anne Longfield OBE, Chief Executive of 4Children, said:
“Make Space for Health responds to young people telling us they want to be healthier but don't have enough support or know where to go to get information. Young people and services have told us that, despite some moves towards integration, there's often little co-ordination between agencies on the ground. That is why this programme has been developed to ensure that health support is available in a variety of cross community settings for all young people.”
Paul Grimwood, CEO, Nestlé UK, said:
“Encouraging young people to adopt healthy eating habits at a young age is critical as it gives them the best possible chance of becoming healthy adults later in life. We are proud to be supporting the Make Space for Health programme which promotes healthy lifestyles to young people outside of school. With over 140 years of experience in food and nutrition research Nestlé is committed to adding value to the communities in which we operate and placing nutrition, health and wellness at the heart of everything we do.”
Denise Hatton, Chief Executive of YMCA Thames Gateway said:
“The YMCA is encouraged to see this innovative programme which will support young people to adopt positive healthy behaviours. This approach fits with the development of our town centre site commencing in the autumn which will provide a World Class myplace facility which will deliver integrated services and programmes which will improve access and outcomes for young people in Dartford.”