A NEW service to support and encourage healthy lifestyles in Worcestershire has been launched by Worcestershire County Council.

The Living Well Service will be delivered by the Independence Trust, with the aim of tackling chronic life-threatening diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, strokes and cancer.

These health problems are closely linked to lifestyle factors such as an unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, smoking and drinking, and it is hoped that by supporting people to change these behaviours the risk of disability and early death will be reduced.

Frances Howie, head of public health at Worcestershire County Council, said: "I am pleased to see that this new service is starting in April.

“The county council has commissioned this public health service so that we can reach those people who have the greatest challenges in living healthily.

“We know that the burden of avoidable disease is rising here and that this puts great demands on our health and care services.

“One important part of this new approach is to develop a network of community-based clubs where people will support each other to make lasting changes to the way they live.

“People will also be helped to help themselves through online information and support.

“The health and well-being board has made tackling obesity one of its key priorities so I am particularly glad that we are making good progress in finding new ways to move forward in helping to make a healthy weight the norm across the county."

Jack Beech, head of wellbeing and support for the Independence Trust, added: "We are delighted to be developing and delivering this service, which uses a positive approach to supporting people to change their behaviour.

“We know we can’t do all this by ourselves. We are pleased to be working with an established team of dedicated colleagues who are already connected to the community.

“We will be working very closely with GPs across Worcestershire to make sure that we reach the people who need help the most. We will provide a service that is out in the communities where people live. We are really pleased to be working with so many people who want to make the Living Well Service a success.

“This is important because getting this right will address significant health inequalities and life changes within key areas of Worcestershire.

“The service is there to support behaviour change and to engage people in getting involved a range of local activities that probably already exist on their doorstep. We know there are already community champions out there involved in a range of health and leisure pursuits. Sometimes it takes confidence to get connected.

“Our role is to ensure those bridges are built so people can sustain healthy lifestyles and get support and motivation from other people involved.”

The Living Well Service will provide three levels of support: self-help information, one-to-one advice and group sessions.

Provision will be available across Worcestershire including in areas of high deprivation.