We are writing to you to let you know about the free Canberra Health Services Children’s Asthma Education Service that is available to students who have asthma.

Asthma affects 1 in 10 children. Students with asthma have been found to be generally less active than their non-asthmatic peers and have an increase in school absenteeism. Asthma education for children and adolescents improves lung function and feelings of self-control, reduce absenteeism from school, number of days with restricted activity, number of visits to an emergency department, and possibly number of disturbed nights. 

The Children’s Asthma Education Service is available to all children in the ACT and surrounds up to the age of 18. Providing children, young people and their families with initial and continuing support to manage their asthma by Registered Nurse asthma educators. 

This includes helping:

• Children, young people and families understand asthma, asthma first aid, how asthma medications work, and when to use them
• Families manage wheezing in the first years of life
• Primary school aged children with symptom recognition and increasing independence
• Teenagers self-manage support and device options.

If you feel your child would benefit from receiving asthma education, please  call the Community Health Intake line on 5124 9977 to make an appointment. Also attached is our service poster. 

If you would like any further information about our service, please visit:

https://www.health.act.gov.au/services-and-programs/women-youth-and-children/children-and-youth/childrens-asthma-education