Cancer Focus Northern Ireland is calling for volunteers to help deliver cancer prevention messages to school pupils throughout Northern Ireland.
Judith West, cancer prevention officer, said: “It’s really important for our children to make healthy choices from a very early age and at Cancer Focus NI we offer fun, healthy activities for school children designed to improve knowledge of health and to encourage pupils to make positive lifestyle choices.
“Our Schools’ Programme supports the Northern Ireland Curriculum and there’s something about children’s health for every age group, from nursery to post primary.
Judith added: “We have found all the programmes thought-provoking; encouraging discussions amongst the young people and increasing their capacity to consider choices they may have to face now and in the future. We feel that by facilitating the pupils to participate in the range of programmes offered, the young people can help themselves as well as help their own family members.”
Cancer Focus volunteer co-ordinator Morag Chambers said: “In order to help get the ‘healthy message’ to schools we are looking for individuals who have the skills to deliver our pre-prepared presentations to school pupils of all ages. Interested parties will be given full training and support with a member of staff, and should be comfortable with addressing groups of young people.”
Pupils have also commented on the charity’s programme saying: “I am now aware of my role in making the right decision not to smoke and how I have to keep myself healthy”… and “This is a fantastic programme and all young people of my age would benefit from taking part.”
To find out more about this exciting new volunteering opportunity contact Morag or Sarah on 028 9066 3281 or email:
volunteer@cancerfocusni.org
(If you have any concerns about cancer, please call the Cancer Focus NI Nurseline on 0800 783 3339, Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm, and speak to a specialist nurse.)
