Youth Council video gets young people talking about HPV

Members of the Youth Council  have seen many pieces of misinformation online and wanted to help other young people make informed choices on their own health. After a few ideas didn’t work out, including dressing their Youth worker as a giant needle, the Youth Council worked together to create a video using puppets. Sharing important facts about HPV and how the vaccine can help prevent different kinds of cancer. With fun visuals and simple messages, they want to encourage young people to make smart choices about their health.

Deputy Youth Mayor Betws said, "We chose to use paper puppets because we thought they would make the video stand out and be memorable. We hope people understand the message, so they understand the importance of getting the vaccine. They hope that by sharing what they have learnt, they can help more young people feel comfortable talking about HPV and encourage them to get vaccinated.”

Cllr John Merry, Deputy City Mayor and Lead Member for Adult Services, Health, and Wellbeing, said: “The HPV vaccine is vital in the fight against cervical cancer, effectively preventing most cases linked to this serious disease. It is encouraging to see Youth Council Members use a creative health approach to inspire young people to become strong advocates for the HPV vaccine. By promoting a better understanding of their own health and the well-being of their peers, we are educating and creating young champions who will lead the way for health protection and drive meaningful positive change within their communities.

I understand that the Youth Council is excited to work with Salford City Council's Public Health team and share this video on social media, so that more young people can see it.”

Find out more about the HPV vaccination and who is eligible.