‘Let’s Talk Health’ for Older People
Press Release
14/02/2012
Reading Borough Council’s ‘Let’s Talk Health’ consultation will be the central theme at the next Older People’s Partnership meeting, which takes place later this month.
Launched last week, ‘Let’s Talk Health’ is part of Reading Borough Council’s ’Working Better With You’ initiative. The Council is asking local residents of all ages - young people and adults and from all communities and interest groups in the town - to complete a questionnaire and attend discussion events across the town to identify how public health services can be more responsive to their needs.
One of those key discussion events is the next The Older People’s Partnership meeting which takes place on Wednesday February 29 at Greyfriars Hall. The meeting starts at 10.30 am with refreshments available from 10.00 am. Attendees can register for the event either by e-mailing ROPP@reading.gov.uk or by telephoning 0118 937 2383.
The Health and Social Care Bill, currently going through Parliament, will give local authorities a new duty to improve the health of their local populations.
It is important the Council therefore gathers local views on the things that affect people’s health and well-being. The Council wants to know think what Reading residents think about the services that keep them healthy and well, what is good, what needs to be improved and anything else which is needed to provide further support.
Councillor Bet Tickner, Lead Councillor for Public Engagement and Health said: “We are determined to gather as many views as possible and the Older People’s Partnership event is an ideal place to do that. I’d encourage as many people as possible to come along on the day and tell us their views.”
Councillor Jan Gavin, Lead Councillor for Service Delivery and Improvement said: “Feedback from residents at events such as this will be vital in helping the Council to protect and improve public health. If you are not able to come along on the day, please take a few minutes to fill in the questionnaire online at www.reading.gov.uk/letstalkhealth.”
The on-line questionnaire at www.reading.gov.uk/letstalkhealth is in addition to hard copies of questionnaires which can be found at libraries, leisure centres and other council premises, as well as at health centres, surgeries and dental practices.
The consultation will end in mid-March, after which key public health stakeholders will be invited to attend a ’Select Committee’ event to discuss the key issues.
The Council will use the results to shape its work, with other health partners, to ensure that the services that help people to lead healthy and long lives are working as effectively as possible.
Notes to editor
1. The Health and Social Care Bill, currently going through Parliament, will give local authorities a new duty to improve the health of their local populations. This includes employing a Director of Public Health and publishing annual reports that chart local progress.
2. The Council will be represented on a new Health and Well-being Board, which will bring together local health and social care professionals and others to agree an integrated approach to improving local health and well-being. The Council and its health partners have already established a ’shadow’ Health and Well-being Board ahead of the legislation receiving Royal Assent.
3. Public Health means all the factors that contribute to healthy lifestyles. The Council and partners contribute to this by, for example:
- Ensuring there is good access to quality housing, parks and leisure centres.
- Providing support to families through our Children’s Centres.
- Helping older people live independently with control over the care they receive.
- Supporting people to deal with problems like being overweight and abusing drugs and alcohol.
- Helping people to stop smoking.
- Encouraging people and communities to take care of themselves, their families and to look out for each other.
4. For more information on Let’s Talk Health and/or to complete the on-line questionnaire, please visit Reading Borough Council’s website at www.reading.gov.uk/letstalkhealth