July 2012

Boys holding posters jpeg
Horsham College Year 9 students Alex Harfield, Ambrose Launder, Kane Bolwell and Riley Williams raise awareness of sport-related concussion.

Schoolboys take head harm to heart

Horsham College Year 9 students and the Wimmera Health Care Group health promotion team are working together to raise awareness of sport-related concussion.

Community health co-ordinator Janine Harfield said her team came up with the idea of a school project and approached Horsham College.

Ms Harfield said they were overwhelmed by the students’ response.

‘The school got together a group of boys who would benefit from the program,’ she said.

‘It is great to see young people in the community taking on an issue and trying to make a positive change.

‘They have really taken ownership of the project.’

Horsham College learning advisor Neil King said the students created pamphlets, posters and a Powerpoint presentation on concussion using the slogan Whack to the head can put you in bed.

‘The materials highlight the rising incidence of concussion in sports across the Wimmera and a perceived lack of understanding about what to do if you are hit in the head while playing sport,’ Mr King said.

‘Students will visit local sporting clubs with the promotion material.’