Council and local partners join forces to support residents in achieving a healthy weight
Telford & Wrekin Council’s Health & Wellbeing Board* is launching a five-year Healthy Weight Strategy to promote healthier lifestyles among residents.
The launch of this strategy follows from a consultation with over 1,000 members of the public and professionals who shared their feedback on the importance of healthy weight.
The vast majority of people taking part in the consultation agreed that being a healthy weight is important to them. However, only half felt they can successfully manage their weight on their own.
Telford and Wrekin has higher levels of children and adults who are overweight or obese compared to the national average.
To address this issue, the 2024-2029 Healthy Weight Strategy, jointly developed by the council with local health, voluntary and community partners, aims to support residents in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight and accessing local services for help and advice.
The strategy focuses on four key priorities:
•Supporting children to grow into a healthy weight – by developing the Schools Health and Wellbeing Programme, increasing the up-take of free school meals and other initiatives.
•Promoting a healthier food environment including healthy settings – by expanding the healthy food options in public settings, promoting healthy eating and physical activities in communities and other initiatives.
•Creating opportunities for all – by ensuring support services and activities cater to diverse care and support needs.
•Empowering system partners – by expanding training opportunities for professionals, launching a healthy weight campaign with local partners and other initiatives.
Councillor Kelly Middleton (Labour) Cabinet member for Healthy, Safer & Stronger Communities and partnerships, said: “It’s deeply concerning that our borough has higher numbers of children and adults overweight or obese compared to the national average.
“Tackling obesity is everyone’s business – we must all act on this without delay.
“We are delighted to launch the five-year Healthy Weight Strategy, in collaboration with local partners. This strategy aims to better support our residents to keep healthy, active and fully enjoy life.
“Obesity and excess weight levels are highest amongst residents living within the most deprived areas. This strategy seeks to remove barriers for change and assist all our residents in adopting healthier habits.”
The outcomes of the newly launched Healthy Weight Strategy will be evaluated against national statistics and local indicators as well as by qualitative information, such as case studies. Regular updates on the strategy’s progress will be provided at the Health & Wellbeing Board meetings.
To read the full Healthy Weight Strategy 2024 – 2029, visit the council website.
*Note: The Health & Wellbeing Board is a partnership between local organisations including Telford & Wrekin Council, local NHS organisations and voluntary groups.
They work together on health and social care issues, tackling health inequality and improving public health.
To find out more about the Board, visit the council's website.
