Policy into practice - Young people's health
Anne Longfield
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
The issue: Successful initiatives such as Healthy Schools and National School Sports Week and have led the way in encouraging young people to lead active, healthy lifestyles.
This week, 4Children is launching the findings and recommendations of its year-long Make Space for Health campaign. It highlights the need to get creative and look for new, dynamic ways to engage young people in being healthier. Alternative exercise such as street dance, free running and yoga are often more popular with teenagers than traditional sports, while schemes such as youth allotments can create great opportunities for young people to de-stress while learning important lessons about food.
We must build on the success of the great projects for teenagers that are beginning to blossom to promote a wide selection of exciting activities.
CASE STUDY 1
The National Trust has launched a new campaign to encourage a new generation of young people to plant, nurture, grow, harvest and eat their own food produce.
Food Glorious Food will be giving away more than 170 million free seeds for a variety of plants so that young people can grow their own vegetables, whatever the size of their gardens. It encourages young people to eat local and seasonal foods.
More than 500 events are planned throughout the year by the trust ranging from hands-on growing workshops and pumpkin planting days, to farmers' markets and live cookery demonstrations.
An interactive website has also been developed to support families. It offers a range of help, from teaching young people to grow their own produce to creating child-friendly recipes.
CASE STUDY 2
The Sports Council for Wales is also getting creative in its approach towards engaging young people in being healthier. Its 5x60 programme provides young people with 60 minutes of exercise five times a week and promotes alternative types of exercise as well as traditional activities.
Activities take place in a range of settings and are voted for by pupils themselves. Attention-grabbing activities have included cheerleading, skiing and dodgeball. The programme has proven particularly popular with many young people who typically shy away from physical education.
Once young people have developed a taste for being active they can discuss how to sustain their new active lifestyle with a programme officer who can help to signpost them to other relevant, long-term activities.
