Project Summary

Background

–£6 million to tackle poor health

–Unique NHS and Council partnership means borough is first to make leisure activities free

An innovative plan to improve the health and wellbeing of people in Blackburn with Darwen was announced at a conference at EwoodPark on 20 March 2008.

The plan comes after the Council and Teaching Primary Care Trust revealed ‘killer facts’ about the borough’s poor health:

  • People die on average 8 years earlier in Blackburn with Darwen than in other parts of the country.
  • Over 24,000 people drank levels of alcohol likely to harm their health in Blackburn with Darwen last year.
  • Blackburn with Darwen has the third worst level of physical activity amongst adults in the country.

In response to the above information it was recognised that without concerted local action these statistics will get worse; health inequalities will get worse; communities at risk of disadvantage will continue to suffer and we will fail as public servants and local partners.

“re: fresh” – your health and wellbeing

An additional joint investment of £6 million has been committed over 3 years by the council and the tPCT to develop and deliver a community focussed initiative called ‘re:fresh’. The initiative is designed with the evidence and knowledge that:

1) Individuals can be encouraged to increase their activity levels if facilities and opportunities are provided which are designed to meet local needs and that Health Trainers give support to increase awareness, knowledge and motivation.

2) Increased physical activity leads to improved emotional, physical and mental wellbeing.

3) Health improvements from increased physical activity result in a reduced need for spending on care interventions.

The project will encourage and support individuals, including those with physical and learning disabilities and older people, in making healthier lifestyle choices combined with having increased access to free leisure and physical activity opportunities.Specifically it will include:

  • Enhanced enabling capacity at neighbourhood level to encourage & support individuals to make healthier lifestyle choices;
  • Access to free leisure and physical activity e.g. swimming, classes, walks, cycling and community gyms for all adults aged 16+ yrs on a phased basis;
  • Free family weekend activities in borough venues;
  • Expanded junior free swimming to cover holidays and weekends during programmed times.
  • Tailored community activities and support designed by Health Trainers with citizens to particularly target those people who are currently inactive. Dependent on local preference and requirement this is likely to include such activities as walks, tea dances, and allotments.

The initiative focuses on individual responsibility for making healthier lifestyle choices supported by a local community framework providing information, awareness, support and motivation and the removal of price as a barrier to increase levels of physical activity.

The first phase of the free leisure initiative (50+, weekend family activities and expanded junior swimming)was launched on July 1, 2008; Phase 2 (16-24yrs) from September 1st and Phase 3 (all adults) from April 2009.

Contact Details:

Claire Ramwell

Head of Healthy Living & Sport

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

3rd Floor, Central Library

Town Hall Street

Blackburn BB1 2AH

Tel:(01254) 587238

Email: