Lifestyle services work in partnership with Burton's Pakistani Community

Published by Helen Berwick for HCL Marketing Communications in Health and also in Communities

Health experts from South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) are working in partnership with Burton’s Asian community to provide weekly lifestyle services at the Pakistani Community Centre.

The Lifestyle Team are offering information and encouragement on a one-to-one basis to help people to look at their lifestyle, working on a step-by-step basis to make changes that fit the individual, their lifestyle and keep them motivated.

In addition, the Lifestyle Team Physical Activity Advisors are hosting exercise classes which are available on a drop-in basis. The sessions are held every Tuesday and start at 10.00 a.m. for women and 1.30 p.m. for men. Anyone wanting to attend must arrive by the start times.

Angela Tucker who is the PCT Lifestyle Service Co-ordinator for Burton and Uttoxeter said: “We are delighted to offer our services within the Asian community and this partnership is already proving successful.

““We all know that life changes seem difficult to make, whether it is quitting smoking, eating healthily or doing just a small amount of exercise - but they don’t have to be.

“Our Lifestyle Advisors are there to support individuals within communities to not only take the first step to help them live a longer and healthier life, but to also encourage them throughout the process - to help them look and feel better, have more energy, reduce their stress levels and put them in control of their life.

“In turn this will help to reduce life threatening diseases like cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.”

Mohammed Jamil, President of the Pakistani Community Centre, said: “This initiative has already proven to be a huge success, with more than 24 men and women signing up to the service. This demonstrates that the Asian community are realising that the Lifestyle Service was much needed from the Pakistani Community Centre and has started to make a huge difference immediately by making local people think about what and how much they should eat and drink and also how active they should be.”

He continued: “By working in partnership with the Pakistani Community Centre, the PCT has not only been able to reach some of the most targeted members of the community, but has also provided culturally appropriate services with the help of volunteers from the Asian community who speak several Asian languages. Participants have already started to comment on how they have started to lose weight, feel better and make new friends by joining the Lifestyle Service. They are now also asking for a further session.”

Mr Jamil also added that the service is great news for the population of South Staffordshire - if people are looking after themselves more then resources can be put into other essential health services.

The Lifestyle Team also work closely with local authorities, voluntary organisations and a range of primary care providers to provide a wide range of support that best suit your personal needs and tackle a number of health issues.

The team, which is part of South Staffordshire PCT’s drive to improve patients’ health – take referrals directly from patients and the public, as well as via a referral from their GP.

To find out more about the Lifestyle Service or to be referred to a Physical Activity Advisor call 01827 306190 or visit your GP and ask for a referral - and take the first step towards a healthier life and living longer.