Government's new Communities for Health scheme to target disadvantaged areas » Health » 24dash.com

Unveiling a package of £13.5million to improve health in disadvantaged areas, Public Health Minister, Dawn Primarolo, today called on local councillors to tackle pockets of poor health.

The cash will help the most deprived areas improve people's health and break down the barriers between local services, PCTs and local authorities.

The package includes:

• £11 million for the Communities for Health scheme. This enables 83 areas to implement local health improvement ideas issues like parenting, healthy eating, or community activities for young and older people. This goes straight to the communities who need them. Examples include councils teaming up with the local football team to promote healthy eating, and schemes encouraging residents to look out for their elderly next door neighbour.
• £2.5 million for Healthy Communities, helping local Government improve their knowledge of and ability to tackle health inequalities locally, through leadership and corporate development .

Speaking at the Improvement and Development Agency conference in London, Ms Primarolo said: "Poor health intensifies in poor areas . This has serious effects on people's lives. To help tackle that, I'm releasing a package of £13.5 million to help people in the poorest areas.

"Only last week, the Department of Health launched its Change4Life movement, including support for corner shops to stock fresh healthy food. Today's announcement injects more cash to the front line where it's needed."

Currently, the Communities for Health programme is helping some of the most disadvantaged communities to improve their health. A total of 83 areas will benefit from the new money.

Focusing on community-based health improvement, over 200 local activities are helping people take ownership of their own health and wellbeing. Obesity, smoking, drugs and alcohol are all challenging issues being tackled.