Agenda item

Diane Lee, Head of Public Health, was welcomed to the meeting to provide an overview of ‘Reducing the Strength’ and other public health initiative with a view to discussing how to adapt delivery to the South Area.

Members were reminded how views of health have changed, and how a little as 10% of our health is related to health services, with the majority of health being linked to the environment in which we live.

Statistics related to life expectancy in both women and men showed gaps between Barnsley and national averages. Statistics showed that although people are living longer, much of this is in poor health.  Also highlighted were the inequalities within the borough itself.

When considered against other areas within Yorkshire, Barnsley was highest for alcohol related hospital admissions and smoking related hospital admissions.  The associated costs of each were noted.

Members noted the work to create a Smoke Free Barnsley, with many parks adopting this, and plans to roll this out to Barnsley Market in the New Year, whilst also aiming to adopt a similar policy around schools. Also noted were initiatives such as Best Bar None, and Reducing the Strength to address issues associated with alcohol.

Those present were made aware of initiatives to help residents maintain a healthy weight, including encouraging schools to adopt a policy of sugar free drinks.

In summary a number of areas were suggested where South Area Council could develop a Public Health Plan for the area.  These included Reducing the Strength; Low Sugar Communities; Smoke Free Communities; Healthier Takeaways; Social Isolation; and Sleep.

Members supported the idea, and a number of positive suggestions were made.  It was suggested that the plan needed to take account of the very constrained financial situation, and therefore focus was required.  The plan could consider initiatives at all levels, borough wide, area, and ward, with the Area Council concentrating on the appropriate level, with Ward Alliances adopting the same approach.  A suggestion was also made for the Area Council to be briefed on the work Age Concern was supporting in the area at a future meeting

In addition work could be undertaken to ensure a ‘golden thread’ supporting public health could be seen running through all Area Council and Ward Alliance work.

Members noted the positive work to make smoking invisible, but also commented on the rise of vaping.  The use of this to aid stopping smoking was acknowledged, as was the potential for this to be a gateway to smoking tobacco.

RESOLVED:-

(i)        Thanks be given for the presentation and its content noted;

(ii)       That support be given for the development of a Public Health Plan for the South Area, with this being discussed a future meeting of the Area Council;

(iii)        That a future meeting of the Area Council receives a presentation from Age Concern about their work in the area.