A group of LINk members is currently looking into why health outcomes in Westminster vary greatly according to individuals' background, ethnicity, employment and other factors.

Work Group Lead Phil Collis continues to help the LINk monitor local strategies to address health inequalities and obesity. He attended a briefing by NHS Westminster's Major Health Campaign and a confernece on the future of public health after the changes outlined in the White paper Equality and Excellence: liberating the NHS

IN 2009 the Westminster school measurement programme had been completed and that it was likely that over 95% of pupils had been measured, which is an excellent rate.  Results would be some time in coming through, as the programme is national.

A project, called “Gut Busters” has been set up by a GPs with “Fit family fun”, Active Kids, Little Kickers.  As part of this, the NHS has targeted Churchill Ward as one of those areas with the highest levels of obesity.

There has been close co-operation between NHS Westminster and the local council in ensuring efforts are focused on the areas with highest levels of obesity.  “Go”, for example, is a centre off Edgware Road, which is carbon neutral and is getting good levels of participation and at its offices and online. The PCT is attempting to promote similar public health messages via its website.

A draft work plan has been being agreed and by members, planning what the LINk wants to achieve in this area.

For more information, or if you would like to join this work group, please contact:
Steven Towndrow
Westminster LINk
VAW, 37 Chapel St
London, NW1 5DP
stowndrow@vawcvs.org
020 7535 0492