Health Action extended to primary schools as 300,000 young people get invloved


18th May 2010


Health Action, the unique health promotion programme for teenagers run by Action Cancer and funded by Centra, is being extended to primary schools.

The move, which marks the seventh anniversary of the programme and the partnership between Action Cancer and Centra, is being made to ensure primary aged children get more ‘in-depth’ information so they have a full understanding of how lifestyle choices can affect their health in later life.

A new workbook developed for key stage 2 children at primary schools highlights the importance of not smoking, the dangers of alcohol and sun damage, getting regular exercise and healthy eating.

Action Cancer and Centra formed a partnership in 2003 in support of the Health Action project, which is the only one of its kind in the province. Centra covers much of the cost of running the programme, while stores raise funds for Action Cancer and encourage participation among local schools. Centra has now donated £600,000 to Health Action, allowing Action Cancer to increase the size of their health promotion team to seven staff members.

To book a Health Action session contact Action Cancer on 028 9080 3344 or email schools@actioncancer.org

Emma Lennon (9) and Odhran Hegarty (8), from Cranmore Integrated Primary School, Belfast help Centra Brand Manager Nicky Kelly, left, and Action Cancer’s Emily Magrath celebrate the seventh anniversary of the charity’s Health Action programme, and its introduction to primary schools. Picture: Brian Thompson/Press Eye.