City YMCA to pilot scheme in health drive (From Worcester News)

City YMCA to pilot scheme in health drive

4:00pm Friday 27th January 2012 in Local By James Connell

YOUNG people will be given help to live healthier lives as part of a pilot scheme led by health champions.

Worcester YMCA is one of only five YMCAs across England to have been selected for a new pilot project, Young Health Champions (YHC), which aims to reduce health inequalities among young people.

Over the next few weeks Worcester YMCA in Henwick Road will be calling for local young people to get involved and volunteer to become “Young Health Champions”.

The volunteers will work as peer leaders giving support and leadership to other young people so they can get help to live healthier lives.

The Young Health Champions will also act as young consultants to local health providers, offering advice on how to target their services to meet the needs of young people.

Edwin Davidson, interim chief executive from Worcester YMCA, said: “We know from speaking to our young people that they prefer to learn and share advice from within their peer groups.

“We hope the Young Health Champions project will provide the opportunity to reach those local young people who need it most and encourage them to build healthier positive futures.”

In addition to Worcester YMCA the pilot, which is funded by Department of Health’s Health and Social Care Volunteering Fund, is also taking place in North Tyneside, Plymouth, Redhill and Reigate, and Southend YMCAs, and if successful will become a national YMCA programme rolled out by many other YMCAs.

Denise Hatton, chairman of the YMCA physical activity steering committee, said: “We are very excited about launching Young Health Champions and look forward to seeing the impact the project will have at a national and local level.”

If you are interested in becoming a Young Health Champion, contact Leanne Dance at Worcester YMCA on 01905 423197 or leanned@ymcaworcester.org.uk