Healthy Communities Partnership

Local people and agencies working together on health issues to improve the quality of life within their own neighbourhoods.

Through shared learning and community action, professionals and community volunteers work together to develop projects which have a positive health impact and improve well being within their own locality.

Since the start of the programme in 2003 Community teams have had a significant impact on health issues such as:

• Falls prevention (reducing falls in older people by 39%)

• Widening access to a healthy diet.

• Medicine management (distributing over 1545 data link pots in 12 months).

• Elder abuse (increase in elder abuse referrals to adult services by 186.5% in 12 months)

• Diabetes Awareness (increase in referrals with Xpert patient by 61%  in 12 months and delivery of 161 diabetes projects over 2 years).

• Engaging and enabling physical activity - re:fresh (Over 103 community volunteers and partners delivered over 446 projects over 2 years).

This year Healthy Communities Partnership teams in neighbourhoods will continue to promote health and wellbeing within their own neighbourhoods as part of re:fresh.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer and to find out about your nearest Healthy Community team.

Telephone: Caroline Holtom 01254 694503 or email - caroline.holtomblackburn.gov.uk

For 2011 Healthy Communities Partnership will also be working on Stroke Awareness

• Promoting the FAST message and the importance of the early recognition of stroke and TIA with professionals, agencies, and communities.

• Promotion of the stroke care pathway in Blackburn with Darwen.

• Development and promotion of stroke support groups and sessions for stroke survivors and families.

• Stroke and TIA awareness projects with BME groups.

For more information about Stroke and TIA training or to become a volunteer to improve Stroke and TIA awareness.

Telephone: Caroline Holtom 01254 694503 or email - caroline.holtomblackburn.gov.uk