The Health and Wellbeing Partnership has focused its work on three key priority areas during 2010/11. These were breast cancer, mental wellbeing and alcohol. Each topic has been supported by a small task group made up of relevant partners.
The main points of success for each topic:
Breast cancer:
Increasing awareness of the importance of self-examination and, for those over the age of 50, the value of having regular mammograms, organised through the local Breast Screening service.
The group reviewed the uptake of screening in all GP practices in Spelthorne and began visiting practices to encourage better attendance supported by a Breast Cancer Consultant from ASPH.
A borough-wide poster and leaflet campaign was developed. The task group held an outreach event in the Elmsleigh Centre, Staines, in July.
Reducing harm from alcohol:
Working with partners to reduce the dangers of higher risk (formerly harmful) and binge drinking.
Encouraging people to alternate with soft drinks.
Workshops to increase understanding about how many "units" of alcohol drinks contain and what the safe limits are.
Working in collaboration the CSP to ensure joined-up messages around alcohol consumption.
Improving mental well-being:
Work with partners in Age Concern and others to reduce social isolation – a major cause of loneliness and depression – by promoting the day centres across the borough and their activities.
This group successfully bid for the Spelthorne Assembly funding in 2010 and have used this money to support coffee morning promoting inclusion at three day centres across Spelthorne.
The group provides an important channel for a number of forums in Spelthorne and is actively promoting the Carers' Forum, which in turn supports many people caring for others.
