Knaresborough Lifestyle team’s healthy award

Knaresborough-based team SAS (Spread a Smile) won the Energi Be Fit, Be Healthy Challenge at the awards night.

The team wanted to spread a smile to the elderly through their music. They realised that living in a care home could be lonely, so they wanted to make them happy and give them a day to remember.

In school SAS learned how music is proven to increase levels of dopamine, a chemical in the brain that makes you feel happy.

The team members decided to go into some elderly care homes in the local area, play some of their music, brighten their day and bake some cakes for afterwards.

During this time, they learned many skills, such as confidence and communication skills. They also learned how to book a venue, plan their event and engage an audience.

Meanwhile, Nidderdale Children’s Resource Centre (Killinghall) claimed joint third place, and were winners of the PFCC Community Safety Challenge at the ceremony.

The team wanted to save the planet and keep Killinghall safe by carrying out activities to help nature and local wildlife.

The theme of the summer holidays at Nidderdale Children’s Resource Centre was ‘Save the Planet’.

The resource centre provides valuable resources and support for children with physical and learning disabilities.

Sergeant Neil Northend, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who took part in the Lifestyle Challenge and attended the ceremony – not only the young people themselves, but also the adult advisors for taking the time to support and help their teams.

“The teams should be really proud of what they achieved over the summer. All together, they worked for more than 1,450 hours – the equivalent of over 60 days – and raised more than £1,500.

“The results of their projects are a testament to the fantastic commitment and community spirit of our young people, and it was wonderful to be able to celebrate their achievements.”