People's health in Blackpool is poor; the life expectancy is much lower than elsewhere. In order for residents to have longer, healthier lives action needs to happen. Blackpool's LSP will work in partnership to provide opportunities for better nutrition and physical activity, improving sexual health and reducing; teenage pregnancy, alcohol abuse, smoking and accidents. These priorities are determined by the analysis of the major causes of early death in Blackpool. By tackling these issues the health of people in Blackpool will improve.
Partnership Responsible:
Health Equalities Partnership
For more information about this partnership:
Andy Howe - Director of Public Health
e-mail: communications@blackpoolPCT.nhs.uk
Tel: 01253 651200
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Negotiated Actions (the priorities being worked on for everyone's benefit)
Smoking Cessation
Smoking is the single biggest preventable cause of death nationally. Around 70% of smokers want to give up. People are also suffering damage due to secondhand smoke. Reducing smoking in workplaces will prevent illness and death. It is hoped to deliver smoke-free buildings and provide more opportunities for people to give up.
This action means more people giving up smoking for good and a reduction in smoking related illness and death.
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Sexual Health
There is evidence of worsening sexual health in Blackpool. In Blackpool the teenage pregnancy rate has risen, while nationally it has fallen. Blackpool now accounts for nearly 40% of all the new HIV infections in Cumbria and Lancashire. This action will provide training around the understanding of sexual health and its links to emotional development, particularly of young people.
All organisations involved in the LSP will work towards training employees who work one-to-one with young people.
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Alcohol Harm Reduction
Blackpool has very high numbers of hospital admissions, crimes and death due to alcohol misuse, one of the highest rates in the country.
This action will deliver a programme of treatment and education to reduce alcohol misuse.
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Nutrition and Physical Activity
In Blackpool over 20% of people are overweight, only 8% of adults take the recommended 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day and more than 38% lead sedentary lives (Lifestyle Survey 1997). Improving people's diet and increasing physical activity will reduce obesity and the risk of coronary heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
This action will provide more opportunities for people to be active in their neighbourhoods, such as junior leagues and walking. Schools will continue to deliver a healthy message around eating '5-a-day' and this will be supported through community projects.
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Accident Prevention for over 65's
Statistics show that the over 65 age group is more likely to suffer an accident that will result in death, or serious injury, than any other age group. Over 65's represent 90% of traffic fatalities in Blackpool and are twice as likely to die from a fire in the home than other age groups. Visual impairment and mixtures of medications are thought to be associated with higher levels of accidents.
This action will deliver a programme of targeted prevention, such as the Fire Service providing home safety checks, Blackpool Council providing home fitness programmes and Age Concern co-ordinating advice and information.
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