Agenda item

Dr Liz Brutus, Service Lead Public Health provided the Panel with an update on the Health Beliefs and Physical Activity research project.

The aim of the project was to provide an evidence base to inform the Council’s approach to supporting and engaging with local residents.  In particular, the project would support the following Joint Wellbeing Strategy priorities: increasing life expectancy by focusing on inequalities; and improving mental health and wellbeing.

The project had involved an in-depth, community led research project to engage Slough residents in a local conversation on health, primarily focussing on what residents believed they could do to keep physically and mentally well and to prevent poor health.  The project had explored residents’ health beliefs, health literacy and behavioural insights.  In addition, the project had sought to ascertain a picture of residents prevailing rates of inactivity by exploring behaviour and attitude towards undertaking regular physical activity.

The project had been delivered in two phases.  The first phase, which had taken place between February and June 2019 was a qualitative phase, and had comprised of a borough wide stakeholder workshop, six ‘chatabout’ and  two focus group sessions.  This element of the project had utilised the COM-B behaviour change model (Capability, Opportunity and Motivation = behaviour).  The COM-B model assisted in identifying triggers and motivations to improve health literacy.  The qualitative research stage had shown that residents had a broad capability to lead healthy and active lifestyles, but opportunity and motivation needed to be focussed on.

The second phase of the project was quantitative and had been undertaken between 24 July and 28 August 2019.  This phase had involved a statistically representative cohort of residents, selected by random sampling, being asked to complete a survey.  Quotas had been set to ensure representation for key population groups of gender, age and ethnicity.  The 20 minute survey had been undertaken with 1,605 residents.  The findings from the survey would be used to prioritise the actions needed with the relevant sections of the population.

Over the coming months, work would be undertaken with departments across the Council, and partners in Slough to ensure that the learnings of the project were embedded within the work programmes, and were used to inform strategies and develop service specifications.

The Chair then invited Members to comment and ask questions.

  Members had a wide-ranging discussion, during which the following points were raised:

• The Panel welcomed the report and commended the project.
• A Member asked if there was any regional or national comparator information available.  It was advised that Slough was unique and this type of research had not been undertaken by other local authorities.
• A Member queried how the information could be used to dispel misconceptions in relation to immunisations.  In response, the Panel was informed that a working group involving the voluntary sector and Clinical Commissioning Group representatives had been considering how communications to residents could be used to address concerns regarding immunisations.
• Concerns were raised that 44% of residents had not used any Slough leisure facilities, and 37% of those cited time as a reason.  Time was cited as the most common barrier along with cost.  32% of residents wished to see free gym and leisure provision, and 30% of respondents had indicated that pricing should be lowered. 
• The Panel was informed that the Council’s Leisure Strategy aimed to increase awareness of the facilities available and promote usage.  The Director of Adults and Communities agreed to circulate a copy of the Council’s Leisure Strategy to Panel Members.  It was noted that a report setting out the proposed leisure fees and charges would be presented to the Panel at the January 2020 meeting, before being considered by Cabinet.  It was explained that the contract with Everyone Active included an income target to offset the cost of the refurbishment.  Therefore, fees and charges would increase. 
• Concern was raised that 51% of residents claimed to be unaware of the Council’s Active Slough programme.  The Director of Adults and Communities recognised the need to promote the programme through a variety of channels.
• Members noted the provision of free activities, including the free outdoor Green Gyms.
• Referring to the findings of the qualitative research, a Member noted that good oral health was not consciously linked to leading a healthy lifestyle.  In response, the Panel was advised that oral health was a national issue.  The Council was undertaking work with Early Years, and vulnerable groups, including people with mental health issues and older people.  It was highlighted that the cost of treatment was often a barrier that prevented people visiting a dentist.
• A Member noted the average Short Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (SWEMWBS) scores by ward, set out on page 87 of the report.  The higher the score, the better the mental well-being.  Foxborough and Elliman wards had the highest average, whereas Haymill, Lynch Hill and Upton wards had the lowest.  The SWEMWBS scores for differing sub-groups of the sample were small; however, those people who were not working had a significantly lower average score than those who were.  Significant factors determining well-being related to levels of deprivation and community support.
• A Member asked what measures the Council was taking to motivate people to use the leisure facilities.  The Service Lead Public Health explained that one of the key barriers preventing people from using the leisure facilities was the perception that gyms were for ‘beautiful people’.  To tackle this perception, a promotional campaign depicting imagines of ‘every day’ people using gyms was being rolled out.  Members were encouraged to promote the use of the Council’s Green Gyms and leisure facilities to residents in their wards.

  The Chair invited Councillor Strutton to address the Panel under Rule 30.

Councillor Strutton reiterated the importance of Members ‘leading by example’ and promoting the use of the available leisure facilities.  He highlighted the free activities residents could be encouraged to participate in, such as gardening and walking.  He noted that historically GPs had referred patients to ‘exercise by prescription’ and this initiative was being relaunched in some areas.

On behalf of the Panel, the Chair thanked Dr Liz Brutus, Service Lead Public Health for the report.

  Resolved –

(a)  That the report be noted.

(b)  That the Director of Adults and Communities be requested to circulate a copy of the Council’s Leisure Strategy to Panel Members.