Young people across the Vale of York have teamed up to take on the North Yorkshire Police and local health commissioners’ ‘Be Fit, Be Healthy’ Lifestyle challenge.

More than 50 teams of 10–16 year olds have been working together throughout the summer to develop projects that demonstrate how much they care about the Vale of York and the health and wellbeing of the local community.

Projects have included caring for the elderly, the young, the disabled and clearing and area to create a community space, plus much more.

• “Flower power” in Sherburn held a bake sale and bought plants with the proceeds. The team then planted these in their local park.
   
• “Ecostars” from York cleaned up their neighbourhood and then visited the elderly for a tea party.
   
• “Devilish Wolves” from Selby cleared up Barlow Common so the whole community could enjoy it.
   
• “5ICE” from Selby cleared the gardens of elderly residents and then built bird boxes and feeders to make their gardens interesting and to cheer them up.
   
• “Jamie and Chantelle” from York:
  - took local children on a bike ride and picnic as well as a visit to the park for outdoor games;
  - cleared an old pantry so an elderly disabled man could have a downstairs bathroom installed;
  - cleared local residents’ gardens.
   
• “The Terrific Two” from York created a pop up café and raised over £100 for a sensory room for Downs Syndrome children.
   
• “The Yorkies” raised money and donations of sports and play equipment for an outside play area at a youth group for disabled young people.

Lucy Botting, Chief Nurse at NHS Vale of York CCG, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to see so much fantastic work led by young people in the local area.

“We would like to thank all involved in helping to heighten community spirit across the Vale of York and for encouraging participants to improve the wellbeing of others so they can lead healthier, happier lives.

“I can wholeheartedly say, on behalf of everyone at the CCG, that we are delighted with all of these positive outcomes and how this has brought young people closer together with other members of their community.”

Suzanne Asquith, Youth Engagement Officer for North Yorkshire Police, said: “The project has been challenging, rewarding and, we hope, a lot of fun!

“The young people taking part in the Lifestyle Project have learnt about the importance of good health and wellbeing and I’m delighted that the CCG is on-board with us. The project is not only helping to develop skills for life; it is cultivating good citizenship which in turn, leads to social responsibility and a more caring attitude for themselves and other people.

“Lifestyle is the platform for North Yorkshire Police to invest in young people and demonstrate that they have a lot to offer their local community.”
 

For information on the Lifestyle project go to www.northyorkshire.police.uk/lifestyle

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