Public health programme to get funding boost

A programme that supports people to improve their health and wellbeing is set to get an extra £147,000.

This takes the annual funding for Healthy Worcestershire to £680,000, starting in April next year.

The cash is given by the government to the county council, and cabinet is to be asked to sign off on plans to increase the funding when it meets on Thursday.

More than 1,000 residents had engaged with Healthy Worcestershire since it was launched and over 500 people had been supported to quit smoking, the council said. The focus is on getting participants to improve their health while having fun and expanding social connections.

Agenda papers stated the programme "supports residents to improve their health and wellbeing through physical activity, social connection, smoking cessation, and diet and nutrition for a healthy weight".

The current delivery model included 30 face‑to‑face weekly sessions across the county "at accessible locations in the heart of local communities", it added.

Studies show Worcestershire's population of over 85s is projected to rise by more than 50%, while the number of over 65s will increase by 15%.

"These shifts will place greater demand on health and social care services, with increased risks of frailty, falls, long-term conditions, and social isolation," the council said.

The Healthy Worcestershire programme was "strategically positioned" to respond to these challenges, the authority added.

"Its focus on strength, balance, and flexibility directly addresses the risks associated with ageing, helping older residents maintain independence and reduce the likelihood of falls."

Following a visit, England's chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, said Worcestershire's approach showed "how local communities can take ownership of health improvement, combining traditional interventions with innovative, community‑driven solutions".

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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