Youth groups challenge for national award

 

Young people from local youth services are vying for national recognition as part of the Irish Cancer Society’s X-HALE campaign.

Youth groups in Belturbet and Ballyjamesduff, both part of the Bounce Back Youth Services network, along with Clones Youth Club, Youth Work Ireland, and Youth Action Project Sligo-Leitrim, have each submitted videos for as part of the Irish Cancer Society's smoking prevention and education programme.

Belturbet Youth Group's 'One Puff is Bad Stuff' is entered in the Junior category, and stars Rhys Boyle, Sean Bekker, Brianna Quaile, Sean Greene, Katie Leneghan, Liam Meharg, Owen Brady, Blessing Okafor, and Brandon Brady.

The Ballyjamesduff Youth Service video, titled 'Blast from the Past' and also in the Junior category, stars: Emer Quigley, Samantha and Natalija Oseniece, Eliza Amolina, Eliza Lidaka, Lille Burke, Sheena Ledwich, Katie O'Brien, Kevin Ledwich, Erica Visocchi, Ciara Brant, Emily Beatley, Alice Martin, Alexander Barrett, Carlyann Bollard, Kacey-Ann Clarke, Cerys Corcoran, Katie Burke, Holly O'Brien, and Josh Melia.

Clones Youth Club's Be Smart Don't Start is entered in the Junior category.

Youth Action Project Sligo Leitrim's 'My Biggest Regret' (Junior) hears people talk about their biggest regrets and one young person reflects on wishing he didn’t start smoking.

More than 40 short films were made by youth groups across Ireland as part of the X-HALE campaign which aims to prevent young people from smoking.

The film with the most views by July 2 will win the 'Online Award' at the X-HALE Youth Awards.

Sarah Chadwick, Cancer Prevention Officer at the Irish Cancer Society said: “We are absolutely delighted with the entries from Cavan this year, and with all that the young people have achieved. They have educated themselves about smoking, learned new skills and worked together to create a smoking prevention film that will inform and inspire young people across Ireland and beyond.”

For further information about X-HALE and to watch the entries visit www.cancer.ie/xhale. Follow the X-HALE Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/XHaleYouthAwards and join the X-HALE conversation using the #xhale2019.