Stockport Central Youth Forum supported by Stockport Council has launched an educational resource to help prevent cancer.
‘Face Up Fred’ is a short animated film about Fred, a mechanic, who is facing up to a health problem. He listens to his workmates and family, as well as trying to work out what is going on in his body. Then he has to decide what to do.
The film, along with lots of useful information about cancer prevention is available at www.facebook.com/faceupfred
Stockport Central Area Youth Forum worked with the Council over a 9-month period with an animation company to develop ‘Face Up Fred’.
Members of the Youth Forum identified
cancer prevention as one of their top health
priorities. They wanted to help family,
friends and neighbours become confident
to seek help if they have any worries about
their health.
The Youth Forum members developed the
ideas behind ‘Face Up Fred’ themselves,
then designed the characters, images and
storylines for the animation. They also
created the music and provided the voices.
Pictured are people involved in the production
of the film at the launch of ‘Face Up Fred’.
Councillor John Pantall, Stockport Council’s Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:
“This is an excellent and thought-provoking film which highlights the importance of early identification and treatment for cancer. Well done to everyone involved in putting together this film.
“Unfortunately, we know that many people leave it far too late to see their GP, which could result in many deaths that might have been avoided. There are particular important messages conveyed throughout the film for younger men, including don’t be shy and testicular cancer kills if not spotted early enough.”
As well as the Facebook website, the Youth Forum produced a mobile display with an interactive computer element. This will be used across the borough to support work by Stockport Council and partners in the NHS to boost awareness of cancer and uptake of screening opportunities.
The project was funded by Stockport Council and Stockport NHS.