Bush tucker trials in Knowsley

Beer goggles, bush tucker trials and homemade face masks are just some of the unusual features of a new health project aimed at young people in Knowsley.

‘Make Space for Health’ is new to the borough and aims to educate youngsters on eating well, exercising and looking after their emotional well-being.

The project is being run throughout the borough in schools and youth clubs, including the new OurPlace youth facility in Huyton, and has proved extremely popular amongst young people in Knowsley.

The Make Space for Health programme, which was developed by Knowsley Council’s Youth Service in partnership with 4Children, is split into three key areas – eat, move and feel. The ‘eat’ aspect of the project teaches young people how to cook healthy meals, eat a balanced diet and even try new foods through a ‘bush tucker trial’ activity.

‘Move’ involves the young people suggesting activities they would like to take part in such as football and dance. They are set physical challenges to test their strength and fitness, as well as being educated on how important exercise is and how they can incorporate this into their lifestyle.

The final part of the project, ‘feel’, engages young people in discussions on emotional health including bullying, substance misuse and relationships. The sessions are interactive with the use of visual aids including beer goggles to demonstrate the effects of excessive alcohol use and arts & crafts to show various emotional issues amongst young people.

“We want to make the project as fun and interactive as possible,” explains Helen Forshaw, Youth Health Champion and organiser of the Make Space for Health project.

“Just talking at a group of young people is unlikely to make a difference, so it was important that we got them involved as much as possible.”

Cllr Eddie Connor, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure, Community and Culture, commented,

“This is a fantastic and interesting project. By encouraging young people to take an active role in the course, it keeps them engaged and the messages are more likely to have a lasting effect.”

The project requires young people to complete 10 hours of work on the course, and on completion they are provided with contact details where they can get more information on any of the issues discussed.

The first group to get involved in the project, which is open to 11 to 16 year-olds, recently celebrated completing the course at a special ceremony at OurPlace.

Over 50 young people and their families attended the event, which included entertainment from a local singer and a special dance showcase performed by some of the students who were involved in the project.

(L-R) Youngsters Lewis Owens, Jordan Murphy, Lewis Pilkington, Jordan McHugh and Dylan English celebrate completing the Make Space for Health project, with OurPlace youth worker, Jason McTigue.