The world health organisation defines `health' as a `continuing state of physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing and not simply the absence of infirmity or disease'. It has long been recognised that the role of the local authorities is not only to provide services that aim to maintain the population's good health, but also to help promote healthy lifestyles amongst its residents, and those who work in and visit the area. Spelthorne's Environmental Health Service enforces government legislation, which is designed to protect the nation's health such as food safety, health and safety at work, housing and pollution legislation. An intergrated health promotion strategy has also been developed, which outlines the ways in which Spelthorne will be working towards addressing the Borough, local Primary Care Trust (North Surrey PCT) and National health and social targets. The strategy also outlines the ways in which it will address the aims of Spelthorne Borough Council's Community Strategy (2002) to make Spelthorne `A place where people are fully engaged and are both respected and respectful, promoting an environment that is: healthy, safe, inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable.
The strategy aims to increase the awareness of risk factors for developing specific health problems by providing information via various means such as campaigns, and leaflets. It also aims to raise awareness of issues such as domestic violence and accidents in the home. The health promotion three-year action plan has been written alongside the strategy, to direct these health promotion work activities.
The Health Promotion officer and Spelthorne Borough Council is working in liaison with the West Surrey Health Promotion Service, North Surrey Primary Care Trust (PCT) Police, Road Safety Oficers, Leisure Centres and voluntary agencies, in order to work towards these health promotion targets.
Recent initiatives include the launch of the Spelthorne Walking for Health scheme, visits to infant schools during food safety week, work in liaison with the West Surrey NHS smoking cessation scheme, the safety gate loan scheme and sun safety information for council play schemes.
Further details regarding The Health Promotion Strategy and three year work plan is available from Environmental Health by contacting Lisa Stonehouse on 01784 446431.
