Agenda item

To receive a report from the Head of Human Resources and Development providing an update on current and proposed partnership and collaborative working to increase participation in physical activity and achieve public health objectives.

The Group had before it and NOTED a report * from the Head of Human Resources and Development providing an update on current and proposed partnership and collaborative working to increase participation in physical activity and achieve public health objectives.

The Public Health Manager informed the Committee that Cllr Mrs J B Binks had raised the matter of promoting events and partnership projects in Leisure Services.  It was agreed that a report be prepared looking at partnership working between Public Health and Leisure Services  and external organisations where relevant.

The Officer outlined the contents of the report, highlighting the fact that Public Health and Leisure Services both had a key role in the Corporate Plan priority, to promote physical activity, health and wellbeing. He confirmed that Public Health were working with health partners and community groups to provide a stronger voice for health and wellbeing throughout the District, which in turn may support the financial sustainability of the Leisure Centres, working with schools and community groups to encourage young people to participate in sport and other physical activity, working with partners such as Devon County Council, the National Health Service and other partners on the public health agenda to address health inequalities and working to develop cultural, sport, leisure and heritage facilities with activities that benefit the entire District.

The officer explained that the report contained statistical information regarding levels of activity for groups of different ages, geography, race, age, disability etc. and quoted that over the last 50 years, UK physical activity levels had declined by 20%. Projections indicated a further 15% drop by 2030. If trends continued by 2030 the average UK person would use only 25% more energy than if they had spent the whole day in bed.

The officer outlined some joint working that was currently taking place. A recent example was that Public Health Services and Mid Devon Leisure had been working with Active Devon, Age UK Mid Devon and Exeter City Football Club to expand the Walking Football programme into the Mid Devon region. The programme had already commenced in Uffculme and Cullompton to be followed by Crediton and Tiverton. The programme was aimed at both men and women aged 50+ years and was a slower version of the ‘beautiful game’ that should attract individuals with varying levels of fitness and mobility.

Officers were providing Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercises at the centres and staff with specialised training were providing services for the NHS as a direct referral.

Discussion took place regarding:

·         Local groups, such as Upstream,  were already available for activities such as walking and veteran sports;

·         Influencing and working in collaboration with the (NEW) Clinical Commissioning Group and other NHS agencies

·         The need to educate regarding nutrition as well as exercise;

·         The possibility that Leisure Service activities could be taken out to rural villages and outreach opportunities more broadly.

It was AGREED that a six monthly update be added to future agendas.

Note: - * Report previously circulated and attached to Minutes.