The latest annual report from South Gloucestershire\u2019s Director of Public Health, Professor Mark Pietroni, describes work over the past year to help support the best health outcomes for everyone living in South Gloucestershire and sets out priorities for the coming year.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s report describes the fact that South Gloucestershire is generally a healthy place to live, with almost all sets of data indicating better outcomes than the national and regional averages. It also highlights three \u20182020 Challenges\u2019 that once achieved will help to further improve people\u2019s health.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s report also provides updates on steps taken in South Gloucestershire to respond to the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health \u2018State of Child Health Report\u2019 published in January.<\/p>\n
Nationally there is a clear link between people\u2019s health outcomes and educational achievements and their income levels. While poverty is lower in South Gloucestershire than in many other areas, those who are living with less have measurably poorer health.<\/p>\n
The report sets out three \u20182020 Challenges\u2019, which the Public Health Division and key partners and service providers in the area will work to achieve, so that a range of health indicators and people\u2019s lived experience can improve. They are to:<\/p>\n
Work towards achieving these goals will take place across council services, but they will all contribute to better public health.<\/p>\n
An example of the way in which services across the council can effectively work together to support families in need, is the ActivePlay scheme. This allows lower income families or those with children with disabilities to get vouchers for their children to use South Gloucestershire sports and leisure facilities. Families can be referred to the scheme by health visitors, school nurses, children\u2019s centre staff or the council 0-25 service.<\/p>\n