Youth Health Trainers

Under the umbrella of the healthy town’s initiative MFCiC and Middlesbrough PCT have joined forces and deliver a fully funded project. The project runs over the entire year with each student enrolled on a 15 week course. The main focus of the project is to encourage these young people aged 16-18, who are not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET) to gain access to vocational work experience and gain recognised qualifications.

Each student gains vocational experience through working with local primary schools in Middlesbrough to become mentors to those participating in the Mini Health Trainers provision.

The aim of the project is for students to improve their knowledge and understanding of healthy lifestyles, increase their physical activity levels through supporting the Mini Health Trainers in local primary schools. Each student attends an induction where they address social and personal development issues such as increasing self confidence and motivation working on employability skills. They also access a work placement one day a week where they assist in the delivery of the Mini Health Trainers.

This is a massive opportunity for these learners and it has had a huge impact on majority of those that enrol on the course. Sarah Bunney from MFCic said ‘This course is really good. It is the first thing I have ever completed in my life’.

Stacey Burke, project co-ordinator said “Working with this cliental has proved quite challenging at times, however has been very self rewarding. The project is into its 7 month and so far we have 4 students who have completed the course. This is a huge success, as we have helped 4 young adults to not only gain recognised qualifications but have a huge impact on their confidence and their ability to achieve their ambitions