Children's asthma survey launched
19 August 2005

The biggest ever survey of children and asthma was launched today (19 August) by Asthma UK, in partnership with kids' TV favourite Blue Peter.

The survey will kick off tonight during the BBC children's programme, with a short film about two ten-year-olds who have asthma, Zack and Tonicha.

Viewers will be encouraged to visit the Blue Peter website to fill in the asthma survey, which has been designed by Asthma UK experts to give an insight into children's experiences of the condition.

The survey is in two parts, one for children with asthma and one for friends or brothers and sisters of children with asthma; questions ask how much they know about asthma, how it affects them and whether they know how it is treated.

Results of the survey will be published on the Asthma UK and Blue Peter websites, and will help Asthma UK shape the information it provides for young people more effectively.

'The Blue Peter survey is a unique and exciting opportunity for Asthma UK to find out exactly what children and young people think about asthma,' said Patrick Ladbury, Asthma UK's Children's & Young People's Services Development Manager.

Upcoming Asthma UK projects aimed at children include a new interactive microsite where young web users can learn more about asthma, and an online forum where youngsters can give their views about the charity's health publications that are in development.

The asthma survey will be on the Blue Peter website for three weeks, and the results published at the end of September.