To give the future generation of Lanarkshire the healthiest start possible, NHS Lanarkshire has partnered with education services in North and South Lanarkshire Councils to equip schools with an updated health and wellbeing resource for all pupils; Healthy Schools.

The covid-19 pandemic disrupted the life of every child and had consequences for their wellbeing, further highlighting the importance of Healthy Schools which supports children and young people from nursery throughout Primary and Secondary school with their health and wellbeing.

This interactive website is used by teaching staff to empower children and young people to make positive choices, and it’s available to be accessed by all members of the public, meaning parents and carers can use it too.

Created in 2014 with input from children and young people, it provides a safe space for pupils to learn about various topics that can support them as they grow such as nutrition, mental and physical health, substance misuse, planning for change and more.

It has now been re-launched with a new look and design, updated materials for all levels and now has new resources specifically aimed at S5 and S6 pupils. To mark this, NHS Lanarkshire held an event on Thursday 1 September to showcase it to various stakeholders within Lanarkshire.

Soumen Sengupta, director of Health and Social Care for South Lanarkshire, said: “The challenges of the pandemic reinforced the importance of children, young people and families having ready access to up-to-date and reliable evidence about health and wellbeing.

“Healthy Schools is designed to help and support children and young people across Lanarkshire to be more informed and confident in how they live can their lives healthily through their school years and beyond.”

Jonathan Cavana, service manager – Healthy Lifestyle and Weight Management Service, NHS Lanarkshire, commented: “Healthy Schools contains all the learning and teaching resources and material needed to support adults delivering health and wellbeing education to children.

“The website is part of a suite of interventions our team has developed in Lanarkshire with tailored health and wellbeing support for adults, families, children and young people, which we continue to roll out, with support from our local partners.”

Dr Elinor Steel, Healthy Schools manager, NHS Lanarkshire, added: “We know that it’s listening to the young people to find out what they have experienced or what they can tell us that enhances the quality of the educational experience.

“Our commitment to listening is reflected in the newly added S5 and S6 resources on the website which covers such topics as leaving home, using the NHS, volunteering and relationships.

“Critically, the website is designed to let young people explore these topics in a safe environment that is led by them.”

Parents and cares can visit the Healthy Schools website at www.healthyschools.scot as there are lots of topics they may find useful!

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Soumen Sengupta, director of health and social care, South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership, NHS Lanarkshire Marc Conroy, health improvement senior – child and young person’s healthy lifestyle and weight management, NHS Lanarkshire, Leeanne Kelly, quality lead officer, South Lanarkshire Council, Ally Boyle, non-executive director, NHS Lanarkshire, Kerri Todd, head of health improvement, NHS Lanarkshire, Jonathan Cavana, service manager, Lanarkshire Weight Management Service, NHS Lanarkshire, Dr Elinor Steel, Healthy Schools manager, David McHutchison, education support officer, North Lanarkshire Council and Susi Cornwell, curriculum support teacher, NHS Lanarkshire.