http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england...shire-22810432
Quote:
A pilot scheme offering free breakfasts to primary school children in Blackpool has improved their health and punctuality, say researchers.
All 12,000 pupils are offered milk, fruit juice, cereal and toast in a bid to benefit their performance in school.
Blackpool Council will decide on 17 June whether to extend its £1.3m scheme, which began in January, until the end of March 2014.
Northumbria University researchers have examined the scheme's benefits.
Dr Margaret Anne Defreyter, director of healthy living at Northumbria University, said: "Blackpool's free school breakfast scheme is one of the largest schemes operating within the UK.
"The overall findings of the evaluation of the Blackpool scheme are very positive and based on these findings I strongly recommend that the scheme continues."
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Well, at least the kids are getting a good start to the day .....
OTOH :
On the other hand :
Quote:
Blackpool has a major problem with alcoholism, obesity, smoking and mental health.
Fylde psychotherapist Steve Pope estimates three-in-five families have a member with depression.
"We're losing the battle," he said. "We're dealing with some families where three generations haven't worked.
"It becomes interwoven in their way of life and can lead to addiction and depression."
Lancashire MIND, the mental health charity, is seeking funding to work with ten and 11-year olds in primary schools. Team leader Samantha Wilkinson said: "They're children and they're losing their childhood. People will be shocked to hear that a 10-year old would contemplate suicide."
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