A NEW qualification aimed at encouraging youngsters to get involved in health issues has got its first graduates.

Southampton City Council has teamed up with The University of Southampton, Public Health School Nursing and charity No Limits to deliver the Youth Health Champions programme.

The qualification, which is administered by the Royal Society of Public Health, is designed to empower young people aged between 14 and 18, in a variety of settings to have a positive influence on their own health and the health of those around them.

It teaches young adults the skills to understand the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and to make healthier choices; develops skills for the workplace, increases their knowledge of risks of unhealthy behaviours and helps pupils to develop their CVs by providing an additional qualification.

The students who have completed the course were from St George’s Catholic College, Redbridge Community School and Cantell School.

Cllr Dave Shields, cabinet member for health at the city council, said: “This is an innovative way to teach young people about the links between lifestyle and health whilst giving them the opportunity to earn a qualification from a prestigious national body.

“Shifting the focus of health education for young people from being just about treatment to prevention is important to protecting the health of future generations.”

The University of Southampton will run the course with support from Public Health School Nursing and No Limits from September.

The first part will be delivered through the LifeLab scheme, which gives school pupils opportunities to learn first-hand the science behind the health messages with a view to helping them make better choices about their diet and exercise.

The second part will be available to selected pupils who will complete three modules of work and plan a public health campaign for their school.

Kath Woods-Townsend, LifeLab manager, said: “Helping young people understand the reasons behind the advice is so important to encourage a change in behaviour.

“Ensuring young people lead a healthier and active lifestyle will protect their own health and also encourages them to think about the health traits they will pass on to their future children.”