FOCUS ON US - A YOUTH CONFERENCE WITH A DIFFERENCE........
A WHOLE HEAD OF HEALTH
MONDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2006 - STOKE BY NAYLAND CLUB

Suffolk chef Mark David took his love of food to the youngsters of Babergh when he headlined a youth conference with a difference on 16th October. 

More than 60 youngsters, aged between 12 and 16, took part in the conference which was organised by Babergh District Council and sponsored by Waitrose of Sudbury. The event, held during Local Democracy Week, was aimed at promoting healthy bodies, healthy eating and healthy communities.

The day-long event was packed full of information and workshops which the delegates, who are from Babergh schools and youth organisations, were able to take part in. Among the sessions was a special cocktail workshop, with a twist. The youngsters were shown how to make healthy smoothies and "mocktails" – similar to cocktails but without the alcohol!

Chef Mark David, who runs The Cooking Experience in Hadleigh, opened the event in the morning and in the afternoon the conference turned into a "marketplace" where the young delegates were able to find out more about volunteering in the community.

The conference focused on two of Babergh’s corporate priorities for the district: To promote healthy living and reduce health inequalities and to raise individual and community ambitions.

Jill Barton, Babergh’s Corporate Support Officer, said: “The conference was a great success and proved that young people are interested in healthier lifestyles. The whole agenda was planned with the Student Council from East Bergholt High School who requested a fun, interactive and informative programme. It was an issue they really cared about - and it showed."