South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard met with a group of young people who shared their ideas on the most effective ways of engaging with them on the subject of cancer.
At his offices in Sheffield, the Mayor heard from some in the group who’d been directly affected by cancer and others with an interest in gaining a better understanding of the disease in its many forms for themselves, their families and their friends.
Along with health and education professionals from across the region, the group discussed how spotting the signs and symptoms of cancer early and understanding some of the measures to prevent it, could be effectively learned in educational settings and in the community.
The meeting was held as part of the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Shows Up for cancer partnership strategy which brings together health and public services, communities, employers, education and individuals to help reduce the high rates of cancer across the region.
Tackling cancer is high on the Mayor’s priorities for health and as Chair of the South Yorkshire Integrated Care Partnership, he also spearheads the Shows Up strategy.
He told the group: “A child born in Rotherham today is likely to die five years younger than a baby born in a wealthy part of London. That’s not right and I’m passionate about ensuring people have equal access to treatment and support. Education plays a crucial part in impacting positively on health outcomes. You are the young leaders in South Yorkshire, so I need your help.”
To help drive the Mayor’s ambition to make South Yorkshire the healthiest region in the country, Shows Up has been working with young people in schools, colleges and youth groups over the past year, producing many teaching and learning resources and is now seeking further opportunities for them to get involved in shaping even more.
Some of the ideas from those attending the meeting included creating animations for social media, producing video games, and supporting teaching staff to deliver materials relevant to specific age groups.
As well as following up the ideas in a working group, Shows Up hopes to link in with existing education programmes and community initiatives.
Visit www.sybshowsup.com for more information and to get involved.