Smoothie making bike pedals into One to help launch new health scheme
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An exercise bike that creates smoothies helped launch a new health related scheme.
The project has seen 14 students from One gain skills and training as part of an ongoing wellbeing initiative.
They have all now officially been recognised as 'health champions' and they launched their group to the college by handing out advice on healthy living to students and staff.
They were joined by a representative from the Smoothie Bike Company and an expert from the Ipswich and East Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group (Ipswich CCG) to help shine a light on their activities.
Teacher of Health and Social Care at One, Sarah Warnes, came up with the idea for health champions within the sixth form thanks to support and funding from One Life Suffolk. She said, "Our health champions raise awareness about health and wellbeing. They have been fully trained to support their peers. In addition to ongoing support and advice, most recently, they have put together some wellbeing bags to hand out to students who feel anxious ahead of their upcoming exams."
(The bags will contain goods such as stress balls and camomile tea to help young people take control of stress related issues).
She continued, "Future plans include a community project outside of the sixth form and the champions will also be working at the Suffolk Show, with Ipswich Town and with the Ipswich CCG on a project relating to sleep. Overall, it's a great experience for them. In addition to this, being a health champion will help them stand out on either their university applications or future job applications."
Sue Clarke from the Ipswich CCG, said, "I came along to support the students. Diet and nutrition is fundamental to our wellbeing and it's vital in terms of preventing disease. It was great to come along to One Sixth Form College – I think this scheme is a great idea."
16 year old Megan Smy from Ipswich is a health champion. The health and social care student, said, "This campaign is all about spreading awareness. The healthier we are the happier we are – so this will be our ongoing message."
