New Project Launching Soon!... Become a Young Health Champion!

14 December 2011

Southend YMCA has been chosen for pilot project to improve health and wellbeing of local young people.

Southend YMCA is one of only five YMCAs across England to have been selected for a new pilot project, Young Health Champions (YHC), which aims to reduce health inequalities among young people.

Over the next few weeks Southend YMCA will be calling for local young people to get involved and volunteer to become Young Health Champions.

Syrie Cox, CEO from Southend YMCA said: "We know from speaking to our young people that they prefer to learn and share advice from within their peer groups. We hope the Young Health Champions project will provide the opportunity to reach those local young people who need it most, and encourage them to build healthier positive futures."

In addition to Southend YMCA running the pilot, which is funded by Department of Health's Health and Social Care Volunteering Fund, is also taking place in North Tyneside, Plymouth, Redhill & Reigate, Southend & Worcester YMCAs, and if successful will become a national YMCA programme rolled out by many other YMCAs in England.

Denise Hatton, Chair of the YMCA Physical Activity Steering Committee, said: "We are very excited about launching Young Health Champions and look forward to seeing the impact the project will have at a national and local level. We believe it has the potential to provide a model for engaging young people in health-based activity that can be utilised across the third sector".

If you are interested in volunteering to become a Young Health Champion please contact: John Bastinat Southend YMCA on 07790869003 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .