Evolve: Neighbourhood Regeneration Through Partnership
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Healthy in Your Neighbourhood Launched
11 November 2008
A NEW booklet designed to improve the health of Bootle residents has been praised by a senior health official.
Healthy in Your Neighbourhood was launched by the Evolve partnership in an attempt to provide clear, user-friendly advice and support to local people.
The colourful, easy-to-read document features advice on healthy eating, weight management, exercise, smoking, drugs, alcohol and specific health issues such as male and female cancers and well-being for older members of the community.
As well as advice, the booklet features clear directions on where to get help, not just via national help lines, but through easily accessible local organisations such as leisure centres, slimming clubs, and specific health projects in the South Sefton area.
The booklet is the second in a series produced by Evolve, part of Plus Dane Group, focusing on improving the health, wellbeing, safety and quality of life of people in the area. It was funded by the Living through Change programme, part of the Sefton Housing Market Renewal Initiative.
Dave Tai, senior neighbourhood manager at Plus Dane Group, said: "There is a lot of good work being done in this area to improve the health of people in our neighbourhoods, and we hope that this will be a valuable contribution to that work. Our aim was to make it easy to read and use, and of genuine use to the community."
Dr Janet Atherton, Director of Public Health for Sefton, spoke at the launch event. She said: "The gap between rich and poor areas is wide and persistent. People die younger in poorer areas, and stand a higher chance of developing some kind of disability during their lifetime. One of our main tasks is to close this gap, and one of the ways we can do that is through educating and supporting people to make healthier choices in their lifestyles.
"Many major illnesses - heart disease, stroke, diabetes and certain cancers for example - are directly related to the choices we make. Projects like Healthy in Your Neighbourhood have a major role to play in tackling these issues, and not only guiding people but helping them to access practical support."
Healthy in Your Neighbourhood was launched at Hugh Baird College in Bootle. Members of the public enjoyed tai chi displays, Wii Fit, healthy smoothies and a range of free health advice and information.
Anybody wanting a copy of the booklet can call in to the Evolve Neighbourhood Office on Queens Road, Bootle.
Evolve provides regeneration through partnership in the housing market renewal areas of Bedford/Queens, Worcester and Hawthorne. It is a Neighbourhood Investor, and part of Plus Dane Group.
For further information on this story, please contact Debbie Johnson at debbie.johnson@neighbourhoodinvestor.com or telephone them on 07966 972920
