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The benefits of introducing Guernsey's Health Improvement Commission have been outlined in a positive first year report released today, giving details about the work done so far and its plans for the future.
Set up by the Committee for Health and Social Care as part of its wider Partnership of Purpose, the independent body was tasked with delivering health improvement initiatives to benefit the islands.
The idea was first mooted as part of the Bailiwick Healthy Weight Strategy and now includes the delivery of the Drug and Alcohol Strategy and the Healthy Weight Strategy.
All together the HIC has four workstreams: Eat Well, Be Active, Healthier Weight and Substance Use.
Under those titles, some of the work already done by the HIC includes working with schools to increase young peoples' physical activity levels, and a focus on every day walking and cycling, funded by the Committee for the Environment and Infrastructure.
Pictured: The four workstreams the Health Improvement Commission works under.
Stuart Falla, MBE, is the Commission's Chairman and he said the work done so far, and planned for the future, will benefit wide sections of our community.
"We are grateful to HSC for supporting our formation and to our Board members and Patrons for their voluntary contributions, as well as to the important financial support from our public, third and private sector sponsors. This support has allowed us to enhance what was being done before and add resources, energy and fresh ideas."
Some of the fresh ideas being looked at by the HIC include the appointment of a Community Nutritionist; funded by external sponsors, and service-wide training for all Health Visitors to help families of young children increase levels of activity and healthy nutrition.
The Commission has also worked with Guernsey Football Club to deliver Football Fans in Training, a healthy living and weight loss programme which saw 16 men complete the pilot programme, collectively losing 56kgs and 112cm from their waists.
The Health Improvement Commission is led by Dr Simon Sebire. He said other work streams including on domestic abuse, substance misuse and additional support for vulnerable young people.
Pictured: The 2019 annual report can be read in full HERE.
"The breadth of our initial work from programmes in clinics and the community to policy guidance, research and providing workforce training demonstrates the unique value of our whole-system approach which seeks to empower everybody to play a part in improving the health of our community. We are very grateful to the groups and organisations who have worked with us to get to this point."
Deputy Heidi Soulsby, President of the Committee for Health & Social Care added that she is pleased with the benefits seen so far by the work of the Commission:
”Promoting and improving health and wellbeing is fundamental to the success of the Partnership of Purpose and I’m delighted by the steps that the Health Improvement Commission has been able to take in its first year. The Commission provides focus in championing the benefits of healthy lifestyles and coordinating the efforts of public, private and third sectors in creating a Bailiwick wide environment for health.”
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