“The health of today’s children and young people will be one of the key factors determining whether the UK is healthy and prosperous over the next 50 years. But there are significant challenges.

“We are living in unprecedented times with entrenched inequality and poverty and numerous public health problems from mental health to obesity. With an unstable political system coupled with the uncertainties Brexit brings, there has never been a more important time for parents, professionals and the public to unite in the fight to improve child health. Whether organisations support greener and cleaner ways of working and travelling, or families build more time to eat healthily and exercise into their day, I urge everyone to play their part, no matter how big or small. Collectively we can make a sizable difference.”

"Children’s health matters. Our lives are incredibly precarious and volatile, and on top of that, we’re growing up in a world blighted by climate-related disasters. The impact of the ecological crisis on children’s health, both mentally and physically, has been all too clear. The rise in air pollution, resulting in unprecedented increases in asthma in children, as well as the severely damaging spike in eco-anxiety, are just a few of the devastating effects of climate change on children, disregarding the trauma of potentially losing homes and livelihoods.

"It’s vital that we protect the health of children, not just now, but in the future too, no matter what we are faced with. We have to act to protect children and their health, but we also have to improve ourselves to build the resilience and supportive community that we need in order to make lives better, and that's what Child Health Day aims to do.

"I’m supporting Child Health Day and pledging to continue to improve the emotional and physical wellbeing of children everywhere because, as a climate activist, I believe there’s no cause more urgent or pressing than caring for the children of this world."

“Lifetime health is influenced early on – factors such as air quality, availability of healthy foods and housing can play a huge role, as does specialist medical care and education around healthy living.

“Children’s health impacts the quality of their childhood, health as an adult and impacts society from the cost of healthcare to the child’s opportunity to access education and employment.

“While the steps to preserve child health are often simple and achievable, it depends on everyone playing their part - everyone can make a personal contribution to building a healthier future.

“Child Health Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about the conditions affecting our children today – such as diabetes, obesity, asthma, allergies and mental health – and what we can do together to help address these issues. Whether it’s a big organisational change or a personal pledge – everyone can play their part.”

“Giving our children a healthy start in life is vital to their futures and should be a priority for us all. I’ve worked closely with Manor-based SHINE Health Academy to press for resources to tackle the growing problem of child obesity, and I’ve challenged the Government to provide more mental health support in schools. I’m also Patron of Sheffield Young Carers and have supported their work in highlighting the health needs of this special group of young people.”