Children and teenagers in the Irvinestown area were able to benefit from a summer scheme with a difference this year as the ARC Centre hosted an action packed programme designed to get young people healthy and active.

The six week programme took place over July and August. It enrolled 149 children and young people and provided an amazing 2,532 contact sessions.

The young people participated in a broad range of activities from dance to extreme water sports, but more importantly they also learned how to maintain a healthy lifestyle and got helpful information on personal safety, drugs, alcohol and relationships.

During the programme, a group of 14-16 year olds, attended workshops with input from PSNI, Health Promotion, and community pharmacy staff, designed to show teenagers they can have a good time without alcohol.

The leader in charge of the scheme, Roisin McElholm said: "The ARC programme is a summer scheme with a difference. Not only do children have fun, but they learn important health and safety messages at the same time.

This week the Fire Service kindly facilitated a visit and children as young as four were given the opportunity to gain important learning in a stimulating and creative way," she explained.

"All of the activities we offer are age appropriate, for example; with older children the programme sets out to challenge the binge drinking culture, promote a healthy lifestyle and reduce levels of anti-social behaviour across the area.

"By combining the physical activity message with health information, we hope the programme will have a lasting impact on those taking part."

An Evaluation Presentation of the entire Summer Scheme 2007 will be held in the ARC Healthy Living Centre this Friday 17th August at 12 noon.