Haringey teenagers invited to be ‘Health Champions’ for a day at City Hall

Young people aged 14-17 in Haringey are being invited to join the fight against childhood obesity by taking part in a ‘Healthy London Hackathon’ at City Hall on Saturday 28 January.

The event is designed to be fast, fun and hands-on with up to 80 teenagers working in teams to come up with new ideas to help young people lead healthier lives.

The hackathon is being held as part of the Great Weight Debate, a London conversation on childhood obesity which aims to raise awareness of London’s childhood obesity epidemic and seek solutions from Londoners.

Cllr Jason Arthur, cabinet member for Finance and Health said:

“London has more obese children than any other global city and we’d encourage young people in Haringey to get involved and sign up for the Healthy London Hackathon.

“This is their chance to have a say on what they think will make it easier for children and young to eat well and exercise more in London and in our borough.”

Young people will work in teams to develop a practical solution to one of four challenges:

1. How can healthy food be more accessible and popular?
2. What would help young people be more active – including use of green space and community activities?
3. What could help families with young children to eat well and be active to build good habits for life?
4. How can teenagers encourage other young people to be more active and healthy?

Teams can build prototypes or produce scenario plays of their idea. There will be support from designers and health experts and each team will create a short film about their idea.

A panel of judges and everyone taking part will view the films and identify the best ideas. No homework or experience is required and there will be awards for the best ideas.

14-17 year-olds in London can register their interest in attending at http://bit.ly/2gahqJZ

The event, which is being organised by Healthy London Partnership, will run between 10am and 4pm with lunch, drinks and travel costs provided.

More information about the hackathon can be found on the Get Healthy London website.