Role: Health Promotion Officer
Company: Cancer Focus Northern Ireland
Track Record:
ME AND MY JOB
NIAMH MCDAID
HEALTH PROMOTION OFFICER, CANCER FOCUS
Niamh said: “The best things about my job are meeting people and the variety of the work – no two days are the same. My colleagues are fantastic, everyone is so friendly and happy to help, which makes the job a lot easier.”
What does your job entail?
I work for Cancer Focus Northern Ireland and coordinate our free Schools Health Education Package (SHEP). This offers a range of exciting, interactive projects for school children promoting healthy lifestyles and cancer prevention.
I also help people, including teenagers, stop smoking, for example in GP surgeries, workplaces, youth and community venues.
I was proud to represent Cancer Focus (the official charity) as a runner in the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon in May, though this definitely wasn’t a job requirement!
We are also the official charity for the first ever Deep RiverRock Belfast City Half Marathon and Fun Run on September 22. I’m not running this time but I promote the event when I’m out and about and urging everyone to get involved. It will be a fantastic day. Please support us.
Is it 9-5?
I spend a lot of time working within the school timetable but you do have to be prepared to work outside regular 9-5 hours. There can be community events, health fairs and conferences and so on to attend, which can take place in the evenings or at the weekend.
All staff are very good at volunteering to help at big events like the half marathon.
What qualities are required for your job?
People skills are essential – I meet a wide range of people from teachers, children and teenagers to health professionals and corporate partners. You should be friendly, approachable, positive and motivated. Working with 900 primary schools also takes organisation, time management and team work.
Tell us about your qualifications and training?
I have a human nutrition degree from University of Ulster, Coleraine, and I’ve just completed the second year of my MSc in health promotion and public health at UU, Jordanstown.
Working and doing a masters part time is tough going but I am really enjoying it. Cancer Focus always encourages us to improve our skills and I’ve received training at Cancer Focus in smoking cessation, child protection and in managing staff.
What are the best and worst things about your job?
The best things about my job are meeting people and the variety of the work – no two days are the same. My colleagues are fantastic, everyone is so friendly and happy to help, which makes the job a lot easier. I’m also doing what I love, educating children about keeping healthy and active and hopefully lessening their risk of cancer in the future.
The worst thing is trying to juggle jobs – there is so much to do. I’m out on the road a lot and when I’m back in the office I’ve all the prep, paperwork and press releases to do.
I even have to be ready to take part in photocalls, often at the drop of a hat. There are some cool photos of me covered in sun screen!
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I’ve always done a bit of running but I’d only run 10k at most before the marathon. It was a huge challenge for me and took up a lot of time preparing. I agreed to represent the charity because it’s such a great cause.
Cancer Focus, which used to be the Ulster Cancer Foundation, helps people and their families in Northern Ireland cope with cancer by providing lifeline services.
Running a marathon is also one of those things in life that you can always have and be proud of. I’m so pleased I finished the course. The cheering from family, friends and colleagues along the route was a fantastic support spurring me on along the way.
Who has inspired you most in your life?
My parents – my mum’s a qualified marathon coach and my dad is also involved in athletics. I started running when I was about four and can’t imagine my life without it.
I’m a long-time member of my local running club and being an only child, it’s like my second family. I also met my boyfriend at the club – so all in all it’s a real family affair.
To register for the half marathon or fun run go to www.belfastcitymarathon.com. For more information visit www.cancerfocusni.org