Have a say on changes to lifestyle services

RESIDENTS are being encouraged to have their say on proposed changes to lifestyle service delivery across the county.

Leicestershire County Council is seeking views on proposals which could see the development of a new service for adults, aimed at preventing diseases caused by smoking, physical inactivity and poor diet.

Currently, these services, such as weight management support and in-house services such as First Contact Plus and Quit Ready, are run separately. However, around 25 per cent of adults engage in combinations of three to four unhealthy behaviours.

The proposed new approach would mean that people accessing one service could also be offered other lifestyle advice where appropriate, thus improving access, avoiding duplication and providing a more focused service.

The council launched the consultation, to capture the views of the public about the changes which could include:

Developing an improved online offer for supported selfhelp. Involving more comprehensive web-based information and advice, available to everyone;

Introducing a telephone-based assessment to deter- mine what lifestyle behaviour changes people want to make and develop behaviour change plans.

Aligning better the referral of people looking for support into physical activity services;

Recommissioning the weight management service so that it is in-line with approaches used to help people stop smoking.

Councillor Pam Posnett, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Helping people live healthy lifestyles is vital and the proposed new service would ensure they receive specialist, tailored support in a more streamlined way.

“Encouraging and supporting people to make the best choices about their health can make a real difference to people’s quality of life.”

The council also has an ongoing need to make financial savings in all service areas. By joining services up, it could save around £65,000 per year.

The consultation runs until 25 July and can be completed online at www.leics.gov.uk/ lifestyle-services

Paper copies of the consultation document are available by calling 0116 305 0705 or by emailing PHConsultation@leics.gov.uk