Youth Health Fair project hailed a roaring success

The event, run by the North Eastern Education and Library Board’s Youth Service in partnership with the Health and Social Care Agency’s Children’s Services Committee, featured displays in the foyer of project work on a health theme by scores of local youth club members.

Senior Youth Officer with the North Eastern Board Ursula Meehan explained that the Health Fair was part of a drive by youth workers to engage young people in thinking about health related issues, including drugs and alcohol awareness, fitness, healthy eating and child care.

“This is a chance for the young people to show off what they’ve done and we are very proud of them. They have shown energy, motivation and the skills they have,” Mrs Meehan said. “So often there is a negative image of young people. This event shows them in a positive light”.

On stage at Newtownabbey’s civic theatre was the cross-community group from Longlands, Bawnmore and Rathcoole known as ‘Bonkers’ who performed a short musical drama dealing with some of the health issues facing today’s youth such as teenage pregnancy and drug and alcohol misuse.

Newtownabbey Mayor John Scott was full of praise for all the performers and Health Fair participants.

“This has been absolutely fantastic with everything just so true to life,” he said. “This is what can happen when the interface people get together.”

Anne Hardy, Children’s Services Planning Project Manager, added her congratulations to all the young people.

Each group participating received certificates in recognition of their work on the projects and displays.