New health and wellbeing outreach programme is underway

• Residents are taking part in face-to-face conversations and workshops to discuss health and wellbeing needs.
• People of all ages are getting involved.
• Wakefield Council and partners want to know what’s working well and what would make a difference.

A new health outreach programme in 10 areas of the Wakefield district is underway.

The Healthy and Sustainable Communities programme is reaching out and delivering face-to-face conversations and workshops with residents.

The conversations and workshops are being run by Wakefield Council and partners in the health, voluntary and community sectors. It’s to find out what’s working well and where there are gaps.

Cllr Maureen Cummings, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Poverty and Health, said: “Talking to local people about the things they value gives us a real understanding of what’s working in our communities and how to connect people to services. It also tells us what else would make a positive difference.

“We want to make sure the voices of our younger residents are heard. This is why we’ve shaped their conversations with fun activities and used TV quiz shows like Who Wants to be a Millionaire and Dragons Den to tease out some great ideas from more than 100 children and young people.

“Other conversations have also highlighted some of the fantastic support that’s already in these communities. As well as identifying ways in which the Council, Wakefield District Health and Care Partnership and other partners can work collaboratively with residents to improve their health.”

The aim is to speak to residents from all backgrounds and across all age groups.

Jo Webster, Wakefield District Health and Care Partnership Accountable Officer, said: “These conversations are the beginning of a sustainable and considered approach; to establish and build upon effective ways of working and trusted relationships.

“By speaking to our residents, we’ve been able to connect with people and families to help them access timely support while empowering them to improve their health, as well developing local voluntary and community support further. The interactive sessions with children and young people have given them an opportunity to also contribute their thoughts and ideas.”

Conversations have already started in Airedale and Ferry Fryston, Ryhill, Havercroft, Kinsley and Fitzwilliam, Wakefield City Centre, Portobello, Agbrigg and Belle Vue, South Kirkby and Moorthorpe. Eastmoor, Knottingley and neighbouring communities will follow next.

It’s very important to understand what children and young people would like to see. Workshops have taken place, using fun and engaging activities to capture great ideas to keep healthy and well.

Each area taking part, will have dedicated representatives whose role it is to connect people with resources in their own community.

This extra support aims to reduce health inequalities by helping residents with health, money, housing, and employment needs as well as providing social networks.