Ref. 23055-43TWO health projects aimed at improving the health of Swindon's children have won recognition for their work.

The RU-OK team, operated by the primary care trust and borough social services, has gotten through to the southern finals of the Regional Health and Social Care Awards along with school nurse Jane Lyons.

Formed to try and improve the health of children cared for by Swindon social services, RU-OK has managed to increase the number of youngsters who have had health assessments carried out while in care.

Before the team was created fewer than 38 per cent of children who had been in care for more than a year had had their health assessed. But by September last year that figure had risen to 80 per cent.

Assistant director of children's services, Jean Pollard said: "This is a fantastic achievement and it was vital that the uptake on health assessments improved, because this is the foundation for 'looked after' children and young people having improved health and addressing risk-taking behaviour.

"This is also great recognition of some of the fantastic work that goes on within social services."

Team member Jane Lyons received her individual nomination for her work in setting up a sexual health chatroom giving confidential advice to pupils at Hreod Parkway school.

The service, which recently received a resounding vote of confidence from pupils and their parents, was the first of its kind in Swindon.

It has become so popular that sessions have had to be increased from two to three times a week.

And a year ago, it was extended to offer emergency contraception and condoms.

"There is a lot of research to show that students who have easy access to confidential health services combined with good sex and relationship education are more able to make safe and informed choices," said Jane.

"Providing support and help in an environment where they feel comfortable is a big step on the way to achieving this. This isn't about encouraging young people to have sex, but about encouraging them to get the right advice when and where they need it."

Governed by strict specialist health guidelines, nurses working under the scheme make efforts to ensure parents are kept informed and will offer to act as intermediaries on behalf of pupils if necessary.

More than 1,200 entries were received for the southern regional awards held last night and winners will go forward to the national finals on July 7, where health secretary John Reid will present trophies to the champions.

Tina Clarke