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New Project Launched to Teach Young People what they?‘Need2Know?’ about Cancer
By Derval Keenan, 6/2/2004 3:24:41 PM
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A new project has been launched by the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF), which aims to encourage young people between the ages of 11 ?– 18 to begin thinking about ways to prevent cancer.
Twenty-two professionals from a range of statutory, voluntary and community organisations are giving the project their full support and recently came together for the first meeting of the ?“Need2Know?” project at the Malone Lodge Hotel, Belfast.
This project has been made possible by New Opportunities Funding (NOF) and will operate, initially, within the Eastern Health and Social Services Board (EHSSB) area.
The Need2Know project is unique in its approach to raising awareness of cancer prevention issues with young people.
The project will have four main phases:
1. Asking young people for their views about how they want to learn about cancer issues. This will form the basis of the new Need2Know resource pack.
2. The content of the resource pack will be quality assured by the expert professionals within the Project Advisory group.
3. Training will be provided on the resource, which will then be piloted in a number of settings, including schools, community groups and the youth sector.
4. A comprehensive service directory for young people will be produced, signposting them to relevant organisations/agencies providing complementary services.
By adopting this comprehensive health promotion model, the Ulster Cancer Foundation who are managing the project, believe they will create a sustainable tool to help young people reduce their risk of cancer.
Clare Smith, Cancer Prevention Officer and Project Co-ordinator, UCF added, ?“The Ulster Cancer Foundation are very pleased to be co-ordinating this holistic cancer prevention project for young people. It is vital that young people are empowered to begin addressing health and social issues, which can contribute to the prevention of cancer. We have named the project Need2Know because this is the essence of what UCF, EHSSB and NOF are aiming to achieve for young people.?”
Community Health Development Worker, Darren Gowdy, explained the importance of the new project. ?“Young people in communities are generally unaware of cancer because they think that it does not really affect them. However as we know, cancer can touch anyone and we need our young people in all communities to be more proactive and try to reduce their risk factors.?”
Clare Smith continued, ?“The Need2Know resource will provide practical support and suggest effective means to promote healthy eating and physical activity. It also aims to reduce alcohol misuse, address sun safety messages and will provide smoking prevention and cessation advice, along with self examination and early detection information. By doing this we can empower young people to make informed lifestyle decisions.?”
For further information on this project please contact Clare Smith, Cancer Prevention Officer, UCF on Tel: 028 9066 3281 or email: claresmith@ulstercancer.org
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Issued on behalf of the Ulster Cancer Foundation, for further information please contact, Nicola Smyth, PR Manager on Tel: 028 9066 3281 Mobile: 07703 321643 or email: nicolasmyth@ulstercancer.org
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