This festive season Santa’s chief h’Elf advisor, Harry The Health Elf, is visiting Lancashire and South Cumbria to watch over all of the children in the region and make sure that they are being healthy and keeping safe over winter.
Harry will send word back to Santa for his list, but unlike his mischievous cousin the Elf on a Shelf, Harry The Health Elf will only do nice healthy things like eating fruit and do good things that will keep children safe and well.
To help spread his healthy messages, Harry has made a special advent calendar containing video messages for all of the children, which can be used by schools or community groups across the region (each calendar door will only open on the exact date). Over the 24 days of Christmas Harry will share a special message every day.
You can download and print this letter from Harry to send to children.
If anyone would like to share Harry’s messages over their social media pages, you'll find the suggested posts below. Don't forget to #HarryTheHealthElf if you share your own messages or photos and tag @HealthierLSC too!
1 December
Harry the Health Elf says hello and wishes you all a Merry Christmas. Let's see what he will say over the next 24 days #HarryTheHealthElf #MerryChristmas
2 December
Harry the Health Elf says that if you have a cough then make sure you catch it in a tissue and throw the tissue into a bin. This helps to stop germs spreading #HarryTheHealthElf
3 December
Harry the Health Elf is reminding all children that this #winter all schoolchildren can get a #fluvaccine - this is the best way to keep those horrible flu bugs away and keep you healthy over #Christmas #HarryTheHealthElf
4 December
Harry the Health Elf is asking children to let your parents or carers know if you feel unwell and just to be safe, if you do have a cough or a cold, best not to visit friends and family until it has gone away #HarryTheHealthElf
5 December
Covid-19 - is a virus which can make people feel very poorly. To keep ourselves and our families safe and healthy this winter #HarryTheHealthElf asks that everyone who is old enough has the #COVID19 and flu vaccine this winter.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQJU3MusWEI
6 December
When Harry The Health Elf coughs or blows his nose, he always washes his hands with warm soapy water for 20 seconds to keep away germs and bugs. Why not try singing a #Christmas song while you wash your hands? #HarryTheHealthElf
7 December
Harry the Health Elf is asking all children to call elderly relatives and neighbours or send them a #Christmas card. It's important that people don't feel lonely at this time of the year and a phone call or card can mean the world. #HarryTheHealthElf
8 December 2021
When it's cold outside, it's important to fill our tummies with hot, warm, healthy food. So Harry the Health Elf wants all children to all of their food. This helps to keep you happy and healthy. #HarryTheHealthElf
9 December 2021
We all like to tuck into those selection boxes and tubs of chocolate over #Christmas, but Harry the Health Elf is reminding all children that too much sugar can be bad for our health, in particular for our teeth! #HarryTheHealthElf
10 December 2021
#Winter can bring with it many common bugs and illnesses that children can catch such as #RSV #Asthma and #Bronchiolitis. Harry the Health Elf suggests that you ask your parents and carers to know what to look out for on www.111.nhs.uk - #HarryTheHealthElf #NHS111
11 December 2021
#HarryTheHealthElf says that to stay healthy you need to stay safe, so please wear bright reflective clothing so that car drivers and other road users can see you.
12 December 2021
Playing outside in #winter can be lots of fun, but Harry the Health Elf wants all children to wrap up warm with a coat, hat, scarf and gloves. This way you can have fun and not catch a cough or a cold. #HarryTheHealthElf
13 December 2021
It might be cold outside but Harry the Health Elf knows that it's still important to get outside in the fresh air to play and get exercise. #HarryTheHealthElf
14 December 2021
When playing outside, Harry the Health Elf always makes sure he's a little bit more careful because it is easy to slip, trip and fall because of ice. Not all ice is easy to see as well. So please keep safe! #HarryTheHealthElf
15 December 2021
Harry the Health Elf says that your parents and carers know that if you are feeling poorly, but they're not sure what is wrong. That they can visit NHS 111 online by visiting www.111.nhs.uk or call 111 where they can speak to someone who can help #HarryTheHealthElf
16 December 2021
Harry the Health Elf is reminding all children that if you are poorly and need to see a GP then they are there for you. This can even be in the evening after school with #extendedaccess and some GP practices will even be open on Christmas Day and Boxing Day #HarryTheHealthElf
17 December 2021
Harry the Health Elf visits his local #pharmacy whenever he needs advice for common #winter bugs like colds. Your pharmacist can treat many common illnesses and prescribe #medicine like #calpol. #HarryTheHealthElf
18 December 2021
Harry the Health Elf suggests that your parents or carers have a well stocked medicine cabinet at home. This should include plasters, first aid kit, calpol and for the grown ups, paracetamol and ibuprofen. #HarryTheHealthElf #HelpUsHelpYou
19 December 2021
Over #Christmas and #NewYear2021 the #NHS is there for you and your family if you are poorly and unwell. Harry the Health Elf recommends your parents and carers visit your local (CCG/Trust) website for useful information about where to find the help you need. #HarryTheHealthElf
20 December 2021
@NWAmbulance hopes you never have to call 999 but if you do #HarryTheHealthElf says it is a good idea to know how to dial 999 and use a phone, your address, postcode and how to open the door to the ambulance service. Ask your guardian for help with this.
21 December 2021
#Christmas can be hard if you have lost a loved one, but help is if you need to speak to someone about how you are feeling. Harry the Health Elf wants to let you know that it's going to be ok. There are people you can talk to including your teachers #HarryTheHealthElf
22 December 2021
We all like to eat sweets over the #Christmas holidays, but #HarryTheHealthElf is reminding all children that to stay healthy and strong it's important to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.
23 December 2021
#HarryTheHeathElf always makes sure that he brushes his teeth properly twice a day. It’s important to keep teeth healthy and strong. If you're not sure how to brush properly ask your parent or carer for help.
24 December 2021
Harry the Health Elf wants to wish all the children in (INSERT LOCAL AREA) a very #MerryChristmas.