Fiz adds Street cred to health campaign

Photo: Picture: ANTHONY MILLER

Pictured at the launch (l-r): Westwood head Nicola Brogan, Oldham Council chief executive Charlie Parker, actress Jennie McAlpine and project manager Chris Swire.

CORONATION Street star Jennie McAlpine took a break from filming on the cobbles yesterday to support a cause to close to her heart.

Jennie, famed for playing larger-than-life character Fiz in the soap, joined OIdham Council yesterday in Fitton Hill as she helped to launch the 100 Percent Well Being Event.

It is intended to focus on positive promotion of mental-health awareness for young people and support services available for local schools.

Jennie, an ambassador for mental-health charity Moodswings, said: “Emotional well-being affects everyone, whether at home, at work or in school.

“Coronation Street chose a mental-health charity in its 50th anniversary year because we understand the importance of good emotional well-being.

“We want to help to put a positive message out there and reduce any stigma associated with mental health as well as making people aware that there are always people out there to talk to and help anyone affected by emotional issues.”

The council’s Targeted Mental Health in Schools (TaMHS) service is running the campaign with a series of workshops and one-to-one sessions in a bid to raise awareness of services.

Oldham Council chief executive Charlie Parker, who joined the TV star at the launch, said: “Schools are now being given much greater power to make their own budget choices, so it’s really important we inform schools of the help that’s available to support these important programmes.

“Enabling the positive emotional well-being of students is an important part of ensuring Oldham schools continue to raise attainment for all.”

Various services will unite as part of the campaign to give advice on how schools can raise attainment, attendance levels and improve learning environments by looking after pupils and staff emotional well-being.