Agenda item

To consider a report by Active Dorset.

The Board considered a report by Active Dorset on the Physical Activity Strategy.  They also received a presentation from Martin Kimberly and Charlie Coward, Active Dorset.

The presentation covered the scale of ambition for the strategy, set out key stakeholders, the health benefits of physical activity, examples of system changes being made in the secondary care and primary care pathways, changes being made in localities and in the workforce, why a strategy was needed, gaps in knowledge, the strategy needed to be in addition to Our Dorset, the two options to be considered and the need for the Board to identify a member champion for the Strategy.

Members noted that the Strategy covered Dorset, Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council areas and aimed for a more co-ordinated approach. The Board was asked to choose between Option 1 (Commissioning and external report. Tender anticipated at £20-30,000) and Option 2 (a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) process supported by all Health and Wellbeing Board member organisations. This would have low or no cost but would rely on officer time and organisational engagement).  The Board was also asked to appoint a Champion for the Strategy. 

There was some discussion about the two options, how behavioural change could be encouraged, the Board's influence over planning and local authority services, and how better use of resources might encourage people to be more active. 

If Option 2 was adopted, it was suggested that the Local Enterprise Partnership and the Local Nature Partnership (LNP) should be involved.  The LNP had links to the natural choices agenda which encouraged people to become more active and the benefit of exercising in the natural environment was highlighted.  It was also suggested that social care and health professionals should signpost people to Livewell and activities within their areas. 

One member drew attention to her experience of using Livewell's activity finder and the Director and Assistant Director of Public Health were asked to ensure that it and links to other sites were working.

Attention was drawn to the fact that Dorset Council reports now included reference to the impact of climate change but more that could be done to embed this within all areas of the Council. It was also noted that Dorset County Council reports had included reference to the impact on health and wellbeing being but this had not crossed over to the new Council.  The Leader of the Council agreed to consider whether more could be done across the Council's services to encourage people to be more active.

Members agreed that Option 2 should be progressed and noted that the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Health and Wellbeing Board had also agreed this as the way forward.  The Chairman agreed to act as the Board's Champion and would receive regular feedback on progress. 

Resolved

1.   That Option 2 be adopted (a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) process supported by all Health and Wellbeing Board member organisations. This would have low or no cost but would rely on officer time and organisational engagement.)

2.   That the Chairman act as the Board's Champion for the Strategy.

3.   That the Director and Assistant Director of Public Health ensure that Livewell's activity finder and links to other sites were working.

4.   That the Leader of Dorset Council consider whether more could be done to encourage people to become more active across the Council's services.