A new free service is being launched in Haringey to help local people become healthier. Haringey Council is teaming up with the NHS ‘One You’ initiative to provide up to 3,000 Haringey residents every year with a range of health advice and support due to inequalities in well-being in the local area. Although progress has been made to close health inequalities, a boy born in the poorest areas of Tottenham is expected to live 6.6 fewer years than a boy living in the most affluent parts of Haringey. One in two adults are overweight or obese in the borough.
Through a range of online apps, small group sessions and 1-2-1 advice, local residents aged between 18 and 74 will be provided with the support and tools to become more physically active, smoke less, drink moderately and have a better diet. Residents are being urged to take a “How Are You” quiz developed by Public Health England and available on the One You Haringey website (external link) that will point them in the direction of changes that will start the journey to becoming healthier. Depending on the results of the quiz, people will then be offered face to face, online and telephone advice or signposting to other local services. The new service, which is being operated by Reed Momenta, funded by Haringey Council, will bring together previously separate health services under one combined lifestyle programme available to local residents.
The services offered will include a fun and supportive 12 week course to help people achieve and maintain a healthier weight; and advice to create a personal physical activity plan to reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Working with Quit51, up to 1,000 residents a year will be offered free support to quit smoking with weekly 1-2-1 or group appointments with expert advisers along with nicotine replacement therapy or medication if needed.
In addition, the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation will be providing “midlife MOTs” for residents aged 40 to 74. This will consist of a free 20-30 minute NHS health check to measure blood pressure, cholesterol and lifestyle factors in order to reduce the risk of avoidable health problems like diabetes, kidney disease and dementia.
For those who want to drink less, the service will provide four 1-2-1 sessions with an expert adviser on alcohol and health to discover simple and effective ways to cut back. The most recent advice says there is no ‘safe’ drinking level and that regularly drinking more than the low risk level of 14 units a week can contribute to the development of some cancers, stroke, heart disease and liver disease.
The service will be supported by a group of trained ‘Health Champions’ who work with their local community to motivate, empower and help people to lead healthier lives. Health Champions are drawn from volunteers in the community or paid front-line staff within organisations, workplaces and faith setting who have regular contact with those who at a greater risk of poorer health. There are currently 30 active Health Champions in place and many more will be recruited over the coming months in order to provide health advice, signposting and raising awareness of local opportunities to encourage a healthy lifestyle.
Martin Fallon, Director of Reed Momenta said:
“One You Haringey provides the perfect opportunity to make a positive difference to health inequalities. The service will encourage residents to make better choices that will have a positive impact on their health and fitness.”
“We are very excited about engaging with the local community and that we can now offer effective tailored support under one service to those who want to get their health back on track.”
Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy, Director of Public Health at Haringey Council said:
“Linking in with the national One You campaign, One You Haringey will support residents with advice and information on services helping us to stay motivated and feel supported in taking positive steps to improve our health.”
