Issue - meetings

To consider a report regarding Berkshire West Healthy Weight Strategy: developing a localised action plan (15 mins).

Darrell Gale, Acting Strategic Director Public Health Berkshire presented a report which provided an outline/framework of the localised action plan for Wokingham and next steps to develop a comprehensive action plan.

During the discussion of this item the following points were made:

·         A Berkshire West Healthy Weight steering group would be developed to ensure co-ordinated action across the locality.

·         Board members were informed that the Sustainability Transformation Plan prevention workstream would be reflected in the localised action plan.

·         Dr Milligan commented that the focus was primarily on activity and there needed to be increased reference to the importance of a healthy diet, starting at a young age with school children.

·         Clare Rebbeck referred to a voluntary sector initiative which helped less active children to become active.  Nick Campbell-White referred to a successful cooking scheme for single parents in Norreys.

·         Councillor Pittock emphasised that the sugar tax on soft drinks had come into effect.  However, there was still a lot of hidden sugar within foods.

·         Councillor Haitham Taylor referred to Tier 3 services and commented that it was important that every contact was made to count in order to reduce obesity levels.

·         Clare Rebbeck commented that a community awareness event focused on obesity could be held.  She referred to the Harvest Festival event that the Place and Community Partnership would be holding.

·         Darrell Gale reminded the Board of a successful pilot scheme run by Wokingham Medical Centre for some patients with diabetes.

RESOLVED:  That the development of the localised Healthy Weight action plan for Wokingham be supported.