Launch of ten year plan to improve health in Plymouth

More than half of deaths in Plymouth can be attributed to four lifestyle behaviours, and a new strategy is being launched to address the issue across the city.

Local employers attended an event to mark the start of Plymouth City Council’s new ten year plan to improve health in the city, Thrive Plymouth, on Monday 10th November. The scheme is expected to be approved by the Council’s Cabinet at a meeting on Tuesday 11th November.

The event is being held at the Council House and will feature a range of speakers including representatives from Public Health England, local businesses, the Council, and Plymouth Herald. The event will be kicked off by Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council.

In addition to the strategy, Plymouth City Council will be presenting the results of our recent Wellbeing Survey.

Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “Thrive Plymouth is a movement for a healthier Plymouth. At present, four lifestyle behaviours – smoking, drinking, inactivity and poor diet, lead to four chronic diseases – cancer, coronary heart diseases, stroke and respiratory diseases. These four conditions account for 54 per cent of deaths in Plymouth.

“But between us all we can change this. That’s why we invited local businesses along to find out how they can get involved. Employers have a huge influence on the workforce and have the ability to support the health and wellbeing of staff and create an environment where the healthy choice is the easy choice.”

At the event invited delegates heard about the free offer to employers – support from Livewell@Work (part of Plymouth Community Healthcare), Plymotion (providing cycle training, bike safety checks and travel advice) and the Council’s Sports Development Unit (providing workplace activities such as lunchtime walking groups and after-work boot camp).

Councillor Sue McDonald, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Public Health at the Council, said: “We all have a part to play in improving health and wellbeing and reducing health inequalities. If we all make small, positive changes to our lifestyles, the cumulative effect will be seen city-wide. Every little change helps.”

At the event, Richard Eastwood from UTC Aerospace said: “We’ve been doing workplace wellbeing schemes at our site in Southway for some time now and there are definitely tangible benefits. We have an annual Wellness Day and have assistance from Plymotion, Livewell and also corporate membership with the University of St Mark and St John’s sports centre. I would encourage all local businesses to engage with these teams and with Thrive.”

The event will be opened by Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council and Councillor Sue McDonald, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Public Health. Speakers at the event include:

Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council
Colin Slocombe (Marketing Means), presenting the results of PCC’s Wellbeing Survey.
Paul Burton (Plymouth Herald Editor) discussing I Love Life campaign
Dr Kelechi Nnoaham, Director of Public Health at Plymouth City Council
Richard Eastwood (UTC Aerospace Systems)
Russ Moody, Public Health England
Councillor Sue McDonald, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Public Health for Plymouth City Council.
There will also be a ‘marketplace’ when invited delegates will be able to find out about other free services available to them locally.

For more information go to www.plymouth.gov.uk/thrive