Primary schools in Bangor can now enrol for Cancer Focus Northern Ireland’s free Schools Health Education Package (SHEP) that works to lower our children’s future risk of cancer and other serious health conditions.

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 package also highlights the harmful effects of smoking and helps children to develop the skills necessary to refuse that crucial 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.”

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 programme supports the Northern Ireland Curriculum and can be used to complement teaching in language and literacy, personal development and mutual understanding.

Schools are invited to sign up for the whole package or any of its individual elements by contacting Cancer Focus NI on 028 9068 0764 or email schools@cancerfocusni.org.

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.

Pictured - Declan Mallon and Heidi West take part in Cancer Focus Northern Ireland’s free Primary Schools Health Education Package (SHEP).