Agenda item

Report of the Director of Public Health and Assistant Director Community Services

The director of Public Health and Assistant Director of Community Services submitted a report (previously circulated) which the Public Health Portfolio Lead presented to the board.

The report explained the Purpose of the Physical Activity Strategy which was to improve participation and engagement in physical activity and sport in Darlington and to support people to become active and exercise more during their life span.

The report detailed the national data which showed that every year to lead an active lifestyle would prevent 900,000 cases of diabetes and 93,000 cases of dementia and a combined saving of £7.1 billion to the UK economy. It also explained that 1 in 3 men and 1 in 2 women were not achieving the recommended levels of activity for good health.

The report also elaborated on the most recent Darlington data which showed that 19.7% of adults are active for more than 150 minutes per week, but 18.1% of our population are inactive. It referenced the UK Chief Medical Officer’s guidelines that adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.

The report explained that delivery plan was broken down into sections from the “Eight Investments That Work for Physical Activity” and the 8 key themes of the delivery plan were Healthcare, Active, Travel, Sport and Recreation for All, Active Urban Design, Community Wide Physical Activity, Schools, Workplaces, Public Education and Mass Media.

Conversation ensued around what type of activity is classed under the UK Chief Medical Officer’s guidelines, whether a walk would count as physical activity. It was explained that any activity that raised your heartbeat is classed under the guidance.

Members discussed what is offered by services to promote Physical Activity for the public, that there needs to be better communication with GP’s for this. It was also stated that the Darlington Football Club offer weight management classes which are ran twice a week at Eastbourne Sports Complex and the Education Village.

RESOLVED  - That the Members of the Health and Wellbeing Board note the report.