Banbridge Academy Boys’ PE Department continued to educate their pupils about the crucial importance of health awareness.  They have undertaken this initiative for the past three years and last year the event focused on Mental Health.  This year the focus was on educating the boys about the challenges of prostate cancer and highlighted the need for regular self-checks, as well as removing the stigma of talking about crucial health issues.

Following their Games afternoon where approximately 55 Year 11 boys played squash, racquetball and football, the co-ordinator for the event, Mr Cordner and the Head of Department, Mr Baxter delivered training on these vital messages for the 15/16 year old boys.  Following hospitality, each pupil received an information leaflet outlining the key messages with helpline numbers – to widen the educational message to family and friends beyond the event.

In addition, similar educational leaflets were circulated in the school staffroom covering other forms of cancer awareness.  The school is extremely grateful for the support provided by Banbridge Academy Association, our parent association and The Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Paul Greenfield for their financial assistance which ensured the event could take place.  The school is also grateful to Friends of Cancer, via Cool FM for their support in providing the Educational materials.

The boys thoroughly enjoyed their festive lunch delivered by the Incredible Café at the Leisure Centre, whilst developing a much greater understanding and awareness of checking for the early symptoms of prostate cancer.