A group set up by Peterborough City Council for young people with health problems will launch a pilot referral scheme in schools in September.

Launched three months ago by the council’s Sports Development Team and the local Primary Care Trust (PCT), No Stopping Us caters for eight- to 16-year-olds suffering from health problems such as diabetes, asthma and obesity.

Funded by the council and the PCT, the aims of the group are to provide young people with the opportunity to meet new friends, build self-esteem and confidence and increase the awareness of a healthy lifestyle in a fun environment.

The participants have been referred to the group by dieticians and diabetes specialists and meet every week to take part is activities such as rock climbing, sailing, windsurfing, golf and swimming. A nurse is always present to provide advice.

Area sports officer Lisa Coe said parents of the group’s members have seen marked improvements in their children.

“Many of the parents have noticed a positive change in the young people’s behaviour; including participating in more activities outside of the club, an increase in confidence and the increased ability to deal with their own health issues,” she said.

Although the group is currently run by the PCT and Sports Development Team, it has a parent steering group and could be run by parents in future, once it is fully established.

Next month the group will set up a pilot referral scheme with two schools in the area, which will see students with health problems referred to the group by their school nurses.

The scheme may be rolled out to other schools if successful.

“I strongly believe that many other local authorities can learn something from what we are doing and hopefully adopt similar projects to encourage young people with health problems to meet new people and participate in fun and healthy activities to give them that little bit of extra confidence to help them do things they wouldn't normally do,” said Coe.