In today's fast-paced world, it is crucial to equip young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of health and well-being and the Young Health Champions qualification ticks all the boxes. The RSPH Level 2 Young Health Champions Course being delivered across UK CAPs aims to empower young people to become advocates for positive change in their communities.

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The Young Health Champions Course is a comprehensive program designed to educate and empower young individuals aged 14-25 about various aspects of health and well-being. The course is delivered through a combination of interactive workshops, group discussions, and practical activities, ensuring an engaging and immersive learning experience.

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One of the key strengths of the Young Health Champions Course lies in its engaging and interactive workshops. These workshops are designed to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills among participants. Through role-playing exercises, group discussions, and real-life case studies, young health champions are encouraged to think creatively and develop innovative solutions to address health-related challenges in their communities.

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The course also emphasises the importance of peer-to-peer learning and mentorship. Young health champions are encouraged to share their experiences, insights, and knowledge with their peers, creating a supportive and collaborative learning environment. Additionally, in some CAP areas experienced mentors provide guidance and support throughout the course, helping participants develop their leadership skills and empowering them to make a positive impact in their communities.

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The Young Health Champions Course goes beyond theoretical knowledge by encouraging participants to apply what they have learned in real-life situations. Through community projects, young health champions have the opportunity to design and implement initiatives that address specific health issues in their communities. This hands-on experience not only reinforces their learning but also instils a sense of ownership and responsibility towards improving the health and well-being of others.

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As we collaborate with the vibrant cohort of young participants engaged in the course, alongside an array of diverse organisations delivering this qualification, we foster a rich exchange of best practices nationwide. This collective effort is shaping a cohort of young health champions actively dedicated to cultivating happier, healthier communities.

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Thus far, Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAPs) throughout the UK have successfully provided training to 259 individuals aged between 12 and 18 all gaining a Level 2 Qualification. Encouragingly, an additional 92 young participants are presently engaged in the course. This achievement is made possible by the invaluable collaboration with partners and organisations within CAPs nationwide, facilitating course delivery. Furthermore, continual financial support from CAP UK contributes significantly to this ongoing success, along with the fantastic decision by Lancashire County Council to fund additional qualifications in the county.

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I’m excited by this initiative – and so are the young people who take part, as you can see in this interview from the YHC conference in West Berkshire. Watch here.