A PIONEERING project aimed at boosting the health and well-being of vulnerable young people has picked up a prestigious award.

The ‘Health Challenge Champions’ programme, led by NHS Wirral, was named the winner in the ‘Wellbeing For All’ category at the North West Public Health Awards, which were held last Tuesday.

The scheme was recognised for the work it has done with youngsters who were “at the edge of care”, which meant were not officially in the ‘Looked After Children’ category, but were at risk of that or had previously been in care and still considered vulnerable.

Among the people from Wirral Council involved in planning and delivering the programme were those from the adolescent crisis team and sports development team.

Brook, which provides sexual health and relationship support, and Response, which supports young people with issues and around drug alcohol, were also on board, as were three drama companies, a local professional chef and a group of young people.

Gareth Hill from NHS Wirral, said: “The feedback at the end of the programme from both the people responsible for delivering it and the young people involved was very positive. Health Challenge Champions has been run again for other priority groups of young people with equal success.

And Cllr Chris Jones, Wirral Council cabinet member for adult social care and public health, said the programme was deserving of the award.

She said: “This is a very innovative programme aimed at some of the harder to reach, but most in need, young people in the community and the results it has had are extremely encouraging.

“Everyone involved fully deserves the recognition that this award from public health professionals in the region has given them and I congratulate them on their achievements.”