Cancer Focus’s free health package for schools

The package, which fits in with the NI Curriculum, tackles the issues around obesity, sunburn and smoking among local children.

SHEP encourages children to make healthy choices from an early age. The key messages include healthy eating, the importance of taking regular exercise and covering up in the sun to prevent skin damage. The project also highlights the harmful effects of smoking and teaches children how to say ‘no’ to that first cigarette.

Niamh McDaid, Cancer Prevention Officer, Cancer Focus NI, said: “Children of all ages will benefit from being involved in these highly interactive and engaging activities that are designed to be informative and fun. Children learn about positive health behaviours, such as healthy eating and regular exercise, while teachers and parents can also benefit from key cancer prevention messages.

“We’re developing healthy attitudes at a young age when children are most receptive to new ideas. Healthy eating, with regular exercise through active play, can help improve children’s concentration and sleeping patterns as well as lower their future risk of cancer.”

SHEP includes interactive storytelling about Genevieve the Goat for P1 and P2 focusing on healthy eating and exercise, a Lidl Fit Factor challenge for P3 and P4, Sun Scientists for P5 and Smokebusters for P6 and P7 pupils.

Each class project supports the Northern Ireland Curriculum and complements teaching in language and literacy, personal development and mutual understanding.

Schools are invited to sign up for the whole package or any of its seperate elements by contacting Cancer Focus NI on 028 9068 0764 or email [email protected].

For further information on Cancer Focus NI visit www.cancerfocusni.org or you can follow the charity on Facebook or Twitter @cancerfocusNI

To support the charity’s equal access for cancer drugs campaign please visit www.equalaccessni.org. If you have any concerns about cancer call the Cancer Focus NI free helpline on 0800 783 3339.