Public health charity ASH Wales has offered its congratulations to triathlete Helen Jenkins after taking the World Triathlon Championship title in Beijing.

Helen joined ASH Wales as patron in October 2009 and met some of the charity’s volunteers who take part in the peer health promotion scheme. This scheme allows young people aged 16-24 to get involved in health promotion and advocacy work across Wales. The young people are offered a variety of health promotion training and personal development activities, enabling them to find out the truth about the harmful effects of tobacco and make their own informed choices.

Laura Rich, Youth Volunteer Co-ordinator said:

“Helen is a great role model for the young girls who join our programme and we are delighted that she is our patron. Her dedication and commitment to her sport is a real inspiration to so many young girls growing up in Wales who want to achieve the very best they can. That is why ASH Wales needs more young girls to join our youth advocacy programme and help us spread the message about the health effects of smoking to reduce the prevalence rates amongst teenage girls which is far too high.

“Our volunteers are delighted for her and we offer our congratulations to Helen and wish her all the best for the 2012 London Olympics.”

If you are interested in volunteering with ASH Wales, click here for more information.