Agenda item

The Public Health Programme Manager introduced a report that updated on the work undertaken by Solutions4Health Ltd to increase NHS Health Checks uptake and encourage behaviour change to Slough residents to promote healthier lifestyles.

The work being undertaken by the public health programmes delivered by Solutions4Health aimed to help reduce health inequalities and they were targeted at higher risk communities.  The programmes being delivered in Slough included Eat4Health, Let’s Get Going, Smokefreelife, Cardiowellness4Slough and FallsFree4Life.  Further detail on the programmes and performance information was set out in the report and Members were asked to consider the areas for further scrutiny.

The Panel discussed how the programmes engaged with and targeted Slough’s diverse communities.  It was responded that this was achieved in a variety of ways, for example, healthy eating solutions were tailored to various types of diet and engagement took place in community settings and places of worship.  Communication was an ongoing process and the specific information and mechanisms continued to be reviewed in support of the key messages.  Asked about the work to target conditions such as diabetes which were particular prevalent in Slough, it was responded that the Cardiowellness4Slough had a strong outreach programme and Health Checks were made available to younger age groups than nationally to try to prevent or delay the onset of chronic conditions.  The Panel reviewed the services in place to tackle problems such as obesity and smoking, although it was recognised that many people had multiple risk factors and an holistic approach to improving an individual’s lifestyle choices was the key to sustainable change.

At the conclusion of the discussion, the Panel noted the update and agreed to receive a further report at the next meeting with more detailed information on the following programmes: Let’s Get Going, Eat4Health, Cardiowellness4Slough and FallsFree4Life.  It was also agreed in principle that the proposal for a behavioural insights Members’ group be set up, subject to further work on the scope and role of such a group being carried out.

Resolved –

(a)  That the report be noted.

(b)  That the Panel receive a further report in September 2018 focused on progress regarding - Let’s Get Going, Eat4Health, Cardiowellness4Slough and FallsFree4Life.

(c)  That the Panel agree in principle to explore the establishment of a behavioural insights Members’ group.