An Ipswich Hospital therapeutic radiographer has inspired a book for primary school children.
Jemma Yarnton-Peacock found there was little written about Allied Health Professions (AHP) – of which radiography is one – for five and six-year-olds.
So, after doing her own research, she approached Matt King who wrote and illustrated a book about AHPs, which also includes careers such as physiotherapy, podiatry and dietetics.
Who will you be? – An Introduction to Allied Health Professions includes all 14 Allied Health Professional roles.
Reggie and Jemma.
The book launched at Rushmere Hall Primary School in front of about 120 children.
The idea came when Jemma was on an innovation fellowship with ESNEFT.
Jemma, Allied Health Professions Faculty lead for Suffolk and north east Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) said: “There was lots of literature on doctors and nurses and a few on individual AHP roles such as paramedics.
“Significant efforts and resources go into improving awareness of AHP careers and pathways in secondary school and further education.
“What if we could improve awareness, and increase health literacy, at the earliest possible point, with young children?
One of the first children to read the book was Jemma’s son Reggie, 5, a pupil at Rushmere Hall.
When asked what AHP role he would like to do in the future, Reggie said he wanted to follow in his ‘Mama’s’ footsteps: “I want to be the one that zaps the lumps away.”
Reggie then got the chance to look at different AHP roles through play and activities, with his friends.
Copies of the book will now be sent to primary schools and community libraries across Suffolk and north east Essex.
Penny Cason, Director of AHPs at ESNEFT and Chief AHP for Suffolk and north east Essex Integrated Care System, said: “This book is something we are incredibly proud of. 
“Jemma’s creativity and commitment resulted in a resource that will inspire children, families and schools, while showcasing the vital contribution AHPs make to health and care.”
Jemma worked on the content of the book with AHP colleagues from Suffolk and north east Essex.
She also worked closely with Shane Jarvis in the ESNEFT Trust’s Innovation Team, whose support helped bring the idea to life.
The project was supported and funded through the Trust’s Faculty of Education.
Matt King
“It was an absolute pleasure working with the team at ESNEFT.
“When Jemma approached me with the task of creating a children’s picture book containing all the allied health professions, I thought it was a wonderful challenge.
Matt King.
“Rather than going down the route of a more traditional, reference-style book, I felt it was important to keep the book feeling light and playful, introducing each role through a fun narrative.
“Collaborating with the team and expert reference group, we aimed to make sure each role was represented accurately (despite the fact they’re animals!).
“I really hope this book helps shine a light on these important and largely underrepresented roles.”
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- Reggie reads the book
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- Reggie “listens” to his ‘Mama’s’ heartbeat
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- Two youngsters play with a toy operating theatre.
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- Two boys play with an AHP-themed toy
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- Trying their hand at music therapy
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- Interacting with Kay Pilkington-Blacker from the Talent for Care tea,
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- The children with copies of the book.
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- Reggis and his ‘mama’ Jemma
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- Rushmere Hall Primary School pupils enjoy the day.
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- Talent for Care apprentice facilitator Kay Pilkington-Blacker, therapeutic radiographer Jemma Yarnton-Peacock, physiotherapist Nic Alexander and occupational therapist Penny Cason.