Young people in Croydon aged 14 to 17 can join the fight against childhood obesity by taking part in the Healthy London Hackathon at City Hall on Saturday 28 January, from 10am to 4pm.
The fast, fun and hands-on event will involve up to 80 teenagers from across London working in teams to come up with new ideas to help them and their peers to lead healthier lives. Discussions will focus on health and well-being in the family, community and the wider environment.
There will be support on the day from designers and health experts. The teams can build prototypes or produce scenario plays, and create a short film about their idea, which will be judged by a panel of experts.
The hackathon is being held as part of the Great Weight Debate, a London conversation on childhood obesity which aims to raise awareness of the capital’s childhood obesity epidemic and seek solutions from the city’s residents.
Councillor Louisa Woodley, cabinet member for families, health and social care
“London has more obese children than any other global city and we’re encouraging young people in Croydon to help tackle the problem by signing up for the Healthy London Hackathon at City Hall.
“We recently hosted a roadshow in Croydon for the Great Weight Debate to help kick start discussions across the capital. This is now a chance for even more youngsters to have a say on what they think will make it easier for their age group to eat well and exercise more as they grow up. Taking action now will help them to stem the risks of developing such preventable conditions as heart disease, cancer or stroke.”
Teens in Croydon can register their interest in attending the hackathon here. Lunch, drinks and travel costs will be provided.
More information about the event can be found on the Get Healthy London website
