Health and wellbeing at fore of partnership

Health and wellbeing is at the forefront of a new partnership initiative which is being run between the county’s health board and South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture (SLLC).

The local authority has developed a new way of planning, delivering and monitoring its services while providing the greatest health and wellbeing benefits for the community.

There is a growing recognition worldwide that taking part in cultural activities such as attending a show, visiting a library or going to a museum can support better wellbeing.

Just like going to the gym or taking part in a sport and outdoor activity is good for people to pursue too.

With that in mind, SLLC has launched a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) report which will help ensure health considerations are embedded in how it plans and delivers the wide range of culture, leisure and sporting services it now supports.

An HIA takes what is known about how an activity can impact on health and wellbeing and applies that knowledge to specific settings, the results then provide evidence to help design services to deliver the greatest benefit for individuals and the wider community.

SLLC worked in partnership with specialists from the Scottish Health and Inequalities Impact Assessment Network (SHIIAN) to conduct and produce SLLC’s Health Impact Assessment Report.

Chair of South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture, Councillor Hamish Stewart, said: “I think this project highlights once again how much work and thought goes on behind the scenes at SLLC.

“I would encourage people across South Lanarkshire to find out what is on offer in our venues and country parks as they are sure to find something that appeals.”