The B&NES Health and Wellbeing Board will examine key health and wellbeing issues for local people at its next public meeting tomorrow (18th September).
Board members will explore what is most important to the community as well as looking at how the right services can be provided to help everyone benefit from good health and wellbeing across the district.
Issues being discussed include the draft Homelessness Strategy, where the Board will be looking at the links between homelessness and issues such as mental and physical ill health, educational deprivation and social inequalities.
The meeting will also be a chance to hear from Healthwatch Bath and North East Somerset; which will be highlighting the views of local groups and organisations on how the future development of housing and communities can best promote good health and wellbeing.
Cllr Simon Allen, Chair of the Bath and North East Somerset Health and Wellbeing Board, said: “It is good to be working with such committed colleagues on the Board. We are all working to make a positive difference to the health and wellbeing of local people and this meeting will be a chance to explore how we can shape services to the requirements and needs of our communities.”
Another subject for debate is health and wellbeing issues for Gypsy, Traveller, Boater, Showmen and Roma populations. A recent study shows that these communities can experience a range of issues such as increased risk of mental ill health and physical disabilities as well as a greater reluctance to access healthcare services.
The study also acknowledges that these communities have a strong support structure across friends, family and community which can help ensure good health.
Dr Ian Orpen, Vice Chair of the Bath and North East Somerset Health and Wellbeing Board, added: “We welcome this research as it should ensure services are better designed for Gypsy, Traveller, Boater, Showmen and Roma populations. The study has already enabled positive action to be taken locally including developing a directory of local services, making culturally appropriate health information available and carrying out awareness training for health professionals.
“This is just one of the issues which the Health and Wellbeing Board is keen to address – such as the Children and Young People’s Plan – to help tackle inequalities in communities across Bath and North East Somerset.”
The meeting of the Bath and North East Somerset Health and Wellbeing Board will be held in the Kaposvar Room, Guildhall, Bath at 2pm on 18 September 2013 and anyone with an interest in local health and wellbeing issues is welcome to attend.
