Children have their say

I am excited about our plans for World Asthma Day this year. The theme is childhood asthma and there is so much happening.

Asthma UK is going to publish a report based on the experiences of children and young people with asthma. It will reveal how many school days are lost to asthma, what treatment people receive at school and what young people think needs to change. We shall also publish policies to make schools safe for children with asthma. It will be hard hitting and will generate debate.

We are also taking Health Secretary Alan Johnson to visit a severe asthma clinic (one that gets good reports on this forum), where he will meet people with asthma and listen to their views. This will inform a speech he is giving, alongside Asthma UK, to the Fabian Society on health inequalities and asthma.

In Cardiff, there will be a children and young people’s conference at the Wales Assembly Government with children from the four highest admitting Local Health Boards where they will meet their Assembly members and discuss what needs to be done to improve asthma management. The Senydd in Cardiff and Stormont in Northern Ireland will also be lit up lime green for our Limelight campaign.

In Wakefield, there will be a children’s summit. It’s being organised by the Yorkshire and Humber Strategic Health Authority and is aimed at healthcare professionals and NHS managers to encourage improvements to primary care. The SHA is the only one to have a specific target on asthma, a 50% reduction in children’s admissions in the next 10 years.

There are also Asthma UK events in Belfast and Birmingham and our offices will be buzzing with Limelight themed activity including our own talent competition. Many researchers, supporters and companies are also hosting Limelight themed activities. It’s going to be one of the busiest World Asthma Days ever and will help us raise the profile of asthma. After all the speeches, visits and activities, I shall look forward to a lime cheesecake and lime cocktail on the Friday night.

Post a commentComments