Issue - meetings

To receive a report from the Public Health Manager providing an update on progress of the Public Health Plan.

The Group had before it and NOTED a report* from Public Health and Professional Services Manager providing an update on progress of the Public Health Plan.

The Officer explained that Public Health was working to a programme that did not have a budget associated with it and it had to work to encourage projects to become self sustaining.  Walking football for example had achieved this with members paying a small subscription which covered the cost of renting facilities.

The officer also highlighted the GP Exercise Referral Programme which had started ahead of schedule and had already received 12 referrals.  This scheme was developed to encourage people to get into the habit of physical activity with the longer term aim that they would become regular users of Mid Devon leisure.

Discussion took place regarding:

·         Concessionary memberships and the changes to times of day that they could be used and the intention that this would increase usage;

·         The availability of funding to encourage target groups to take up exercise;

·         The success of the walking football programme;

·         The benefits of exercise such as health and overcoming loneliness;

·         Food safety the fact that almost 95% of food premises in Mid Devon achieved level 4 or above.

·         Proposals to support the Dementia Alliance.

Note: Report previously circulated and attached to Minutes.