Asthma campaign visits two Bridgend schools

As part of an initiative across schools in Wales, Penybont Primary School and Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Ogwr both welcomed Asthma + Lung UK Cymru into the schools to profile its campaign to educate people about how to respond if a child has an asthma attack.

The scheme aims to highlight the importance of schools and nurseries being aware of a child’s asthma, in turn, helping them to live well and flourish at school.  The charity also intends to raise awareness amongst school staff of the signs of an asthma attack, which can come on suddenly or over a few days.   Schools can download and display a new poster with advice on what to do if a child has an asthma attack and when to call 999.

Data reveals how asthma is the most common long-term medical condition in children in Wales, affecting around 59,000 young people, with 852 children ending up in hospital requiring emergency care because of their asthma between 2021 and 2022.

Gemma Perkins, a mum from Bridgend supporting the campaign, said: “Since 2018, my son has been hospitalised over 15 times with his asthma. His school ensures he takes his inhalers, and it gives me confidence to send him in, so he doesn’t miss school.”

Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma + Lung UK Cymru said: “We’d like to say a big thank you to Penybont Primary School and Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Ogwr for taking part in our ‘Asthma at School’ campaign activities. It was fantastic to see the pupils engaging and learning about asthma. Their creativity and enthusiasm were inspiring. We want children with asthma to live well and thrive in school and we hope this campaign helps to raise awareness of important health advice for the 59,000 children living with asthma in Wales. We really appreciate the schools’ support.”

How wonderful it is that these two schools have supported this important campaign, enabling the children to become educated about asthma in a fun and engaging way – I hear that the children loved making lungs out of paper bags and blowing in them using a straw! I am sure that this is something they will learn from and remember. Well done to all those involved.

Councillor Jon Paul Blundell, Cabinet Member for Education