Young people must be given the chance to fulfil their potential – O’Neill

Date published: 21 June 2016

That was the key message from Health Minister Michelle O’Neill as she officially attended a 'Building Better Lives' programme organised in the grounds of Stormont Estate by the Saints Youth Centre, Twinbrook, Belfast.

The 'Building Better Lives' programme offers opportunities to young people to ‘Engage, Educate and Empower’ aiming to:

• engage young people to take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing
• educate them on the risks associated with poor health choices
• empower them to make more informed choices in relation to their health

The Minister said: “I believe that giving young people the information to help them make informed decisions about their own physical and mental health and wellbeing will empower them take control of your lives. Encouraging young people to make healthy lifestyle choices; to be resilient and resist risky behaviour; and to seek support when needed are the core values of the ‘Building Better Lives’ programme.”

The 'Building Better Lives' programme will conclude in the autumn by encouraging and supporting the group to participate in accredited training programmes.

The Minister continued saying: “Adopting and developing good habits which can be carried into later life will provide lifelong positive health benefits and reduce the risk of developing long term health conditions. In essence, the quality of life that we will experience is largely in our own hands.

“Central to my Department’s public health framework ‘Making Life Better’ is the need to ensure that all our young people are given the chance to fulfil their potential. Empowering our young people to become confident and enthusiastic about active and healthy living and providing them with the right support from early years throughout adolescence will ensure they grow up and contribute positively to their local communities and society as a whole.”