Pupils from 35 schools have been developing a healthier outlook on life thanks to a partnership programme involving the Southern Health and Social Services Board (SHSSB) and the Southern Education and Library Board (SELB).

A special celebration was held at Armagh City Hotel on May 18 for those participating in the Health Promoting Schools initiative when they received awards from SELB chief executive Mrs Helen McClenaghan and SHSSB chief executive Mr Colm Donaghy.

Nursery, primary and post-primary schools have been involved in the initiative. Among issues they have explored in their quest to become more health promoting are: physical activity; building self-esteem and self-confidence; encouraging healthy food choices and drinking water during the school day and training young people in emergency First Aid skills.
Many schools have also focussed on the health of the staff as well as increasing links with parents and their local community.

SELB chief executive Mrs Helen McClenaghan said: “Health Promoting Schools has shown the benefits of the health and education sectors working together. It’s encouraging to note that there are 35 schools across the SELB area participating in the initiative and to see their representatives here today. “Teams which have been set up in all these schools have looked at the development of the child emotionally as well as physically and have recognised the role of the family and the community, alongside the school, as most important.” Speaking at the event, SHSSB chief executive and Chair of the Southern Investing for Health Partnership, Mr Colm Donaghy said: “By bringing together education and health, Health Promoting Schools reflects the benefits of partnership working that are emphasised in the Investing for Health Strategy. .