An update on projects being delivered as part of the local strategy

Some of these projects are funded through the Well-being Activity Grant, which is made available by the Welsh Assembly Government to support projects that deliver the well-being parts of the local Health Challenge strategy (Health, Social Care and Well-being).

Promoting healthy eating

  Healthy eating project for out-of-school childcare clubs

Experienced trainers from Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids' Clubs ran eight workshops in various Out of School Clubs during February half term.  The aim of the workshops was to get children thinking about choosing healthy options for snacks and meals in the Clubs, and at home.

THe children enjoyed choosing their own recipes, preparing the snacks and tasting the food they had made.  Many tried foods they'd not tasted before and discovered how much they like them!

Each club also got its own box of cooking equipment to keep, so play workers can continue to run fun cooking sessions with the children.

Photo caption: Preparing healthy snacks at Out of School Club

  Cookery sessions for rural youth clubs in north Pembrokeshire

All those attending youth clubs in Newport, Letterston, Fishguard and St David's & Solva Youth Clubs have been given the opportunity to develop their skills to prepare, cook and present food.

At the end of a six week programme, those taking part are given a £5 budget to prepare a meal in a 'cook off'.  Nutritional balance, the use of local produce and presentation are among the things meals are judged on.

Photo caption: Awaiting the judge's verdict at St David's & Solva Youth Club

Get Active!

  BikeAbility

Funding from Health Challenge Pembrokeshire has been used to support the BikeAbility project, which gives people of all abilities the opportunity to cycle.  

Up to 50 people turned up to the taster session at Withybush Showground, in February 2010, to use the range of specially designed machines on offer.

Councillor Huw George said, "we would like to see all people, whatever their abilities, enjoy the pleasures and health benefits of cycling and under this scheme everyone can have a go."

Photo caption: Cllr Huw George and Cllr Sian James support the Withybush taster session

  Equipment and training for Haverfordwest Kayak Club

Support from Health Challenge enabled the club to buy equipment for adult beginners including buoyancy aids and two kayaks, and other equipment to help with setting up a junior section.

It has also helped with the cost of training seven members to become Level One coaches.

"This grant has been a fantastic bonus to the club, enabling us to offer a wide range of activities and improving the quality of coaching," said Philip Williams, Chairman.

"Having a junior section has injected a whole new group of enthusiastic young members into the club and they are already progressing well."

Photo caption: Cllr Sian James shows off one of the new kayaks

• Pembrokeshire Passport

Due to be launched this Spring, the Pembrokeshire Passport is a joint initiative between the Pembrokeshire Access Group and Pembrokeshire County Council, which has been supported by Health Challenge Pembrokeshire.

Like all the best ideas, the Pembrokeshire Passport is very simple.  The passport is a bright orange wallet with plastic pockets that disabled people can put information in to help them when they travel by bus or train.  The information helps communication with bus drivers and rail staff, letting them know what support someone may need on their journey.

Working with schools

  Health and fitness training for teachers

Funding from Health Challenge Pembrokeshire has been used to support the development of Health Matters, a new health and fitness resource for teachers, as part of the Healthy Schools Scheme.

Vicky Bowen, the author of the new resource pack, conducted three training days at Prendergast, Puncheston and Pembroke Dock primary schools in March 2010.

Photo caption: Launching the new resource pack at Puncheston School

• Safe Cycling

Thanks to support from Health Challenge Pembrokeshire, year 7 pupils from Pembroke School have been given the opportunity to work with Media4Schools to produce a short film to promote safe cycling among young people.

Each of the nine forms in Year 7 will plan, film and edit a sequence focusing on a different aspect of cycling safety, including road safety, wearing a helmet and bike maintenance, during May and June.  The final film will be launched at the school in July 2010.

Other on-going projects

• Resources for the Healthy Pre-School Scheme

To date the Healthy Pre-School Scheme, which is funded by Health Challenge Pembrokeshire's Healthy Lifestyle Fund, has aimed to ensure that healthy food and drink is provided in day-nurseries throughout Pembrokeshire.

Funding from the Well-being Activity Grant will support an extension of the scheme, which will provide guidance and support for professionals and parents when talking to very young children about loss and sadness, and emotions brought on by divorce and bereavement.

• A vegetable patch at Greenhill School

The grant will support the setting up of a vegetable patch at Greenhill School in Tenby, which will provide the focus for a range of activities to develop pupil's knowledge and skills about healthy food.

•  A bike rack for the new Coastal Cruiser bus

The Coastal Cruiser is one of a fleet of buses that serves the Pembrokeshire coast, aiming to encourage people to explore the coast without their cars. The Coastal Cruiser bus, which serves Pembroke, Pembroke Dock and the Angel Peninsula, was replaced earlier this year. The Well-being Activity Grant will be used to fund and fit a new rack, enabling the bus to carry bikes to this part of Pembrokeshire.

•  Outdoor equipment for 1^st Johnston Scout Group

As the nights draw in a range of equipment, purchased with the support of the Well-being Activity grant, will enable the group to continue its outdoor activities.