HSE Mid West Health Sciences Academy and partners expand fun, free and engaging Healthcare Skills Programme for primary school across the Mid West.
Mid West primary schools can now register for the award-winning Care Aware Crew programme, a free initiative that teaches primary school children essential health knowledge, including emergency skills, about the human body, and health literacy, while introducing them to the idea of careers in healthcare.
The Care Aware Crew programme offers schools a series of interactive videos and workbooks on health topics like making a 999 call, first aid, and brain health. The programme, already piloted with over 1,000 students across 20 Mid West schools, has received enthusiastic feedback from teachers and students alike. Developed by local healthcare professionals and informed by teachers, Care Aware Crew is a partnership between Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, HSE Mid West Health Sciences Academy, and University of Limerick.
Following initial funding from QExchange in 2022, the Health Sciences Academy recently secured additional funding of €88,000 from HSE Spark Innovation enabling the programme to reach all primary schools in the Mid West region. This expansion ensures that more students can gain invaluable, lifelong skills and confidence in handling health emergencies.
“As a principal who has delivered the Care Aware Crew programme, I’ve seen our students gain essential, lifelong skills for handling emergencies with confidence and care,” says Seamus Barry, Principal of St Joseph’s National School, Ballybrown, Co. Limerick. “I highly recommend the programme to schools across the Mid West.”
Pupils in St Joseph’s National School Ballybrown, Co. Limerick completing the Care Aware Crew programme.
Miriam McCarthy, Health Sciences Academy Manager, adds, “We’re thrilled to have secured this funding, allowing us to bring the Care Aware Crew to every school in the region. This fun, engaging programme teaches health knowledge and life skills, and we hope to expand access nationwide by next summer.”
Donncha Ó Treasaigh, Acting Chief Executive of Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board stated “We’re thrilled to expand the Care Aware Crew programme to reach every primary school in the Mid West. This initiative empowers young people with essential life-saving skills, equipping them to handle emergencies with confidence. Through our partnership with the HSE Mid West Health Sciences Academy and University of Limerick, we are bringing vital health education to schools. The Care Aware Crew programme is a testament to the power of collaboration in improving the well-being of our young people.”
Register by Friday, 29 November 2024
Teachers and principals interested in partaking in the programme should register now by visiting ul.ie/hsa/junior-health-sciences-academy. Registration closes Friday, 29 November 2024.
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