Community health pilot scheme launches to support people in Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly to achieve a healthy weight and live well
The new ‘Community Health Programme’ is being piloted in Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly North and will offer free advice and support for eligible local residents to achieve or maintain a healthy weight. It will also connect individuals to both digital and offline resources as well as locally delivered services through the provision of motivation, support and signposting.
Donna Price, Clinical Manager for Community Dietetics said:
“We understand that achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can be challenging for many people, and each person’s weight journey is different. This is why our scheme was created, to provide you with individualised support to help you get healthier and more active. When you are ready, you can self-refer straight to us.
We know that communities across Gwent may need different types of support to access information and we can support the public in accessing resources both via face-to-face support or telephone support. We hope this new pilot will break down the barriers to accessing support in making healthy changes & help make a difference to those who might not have access to online resources and information.
With Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly both having a large number of digitally excluded communities as well as a number of people living with and experiencing overweight or obesity, we wanted to pilot the scheme where it was needed most.
It is free to local residents in Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly with a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 25-30 and who are over the age of 18”.
Residents who want to access the free support can do so by completing the referral form on the below link; https://forms.office.com/e/z0FY7mJfK7
If you are unable to complete the above form, then you can refer yourself by telephone. The call will take around 20-30 minutes and a member of our team will ask you questions about you and your weight. You will need to know your height, current weight and have a list of your current medication. Please call us on 01633 831 949 on Mondays to Fridays between 10:00am and 15:00pm to refer by telephone.
Residents can find out more by visiting: A healthier weight a healthier you: Gwent - Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (nhs.wales)
Further Information
If you are a resident outside of these two pilot areas and you feel now is the right time for you to work towards achieving a healthy weight, you can still speak to a team member for support on the above phone number / complete the referral. You can also access free, trusted advice and support through NHS Wales. www.healthyweight.wales
If you are unsure what your BMI currently is, you can calculate this online at by entering your height and weight measurements here: http://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/bmi-calculator/