BMBC 21: Barnsleys Local Area Agreement 2008-2011

To improve the provision of food in the workplace to support healthyeating initiatives and messages.• Food in deprived communities; promoting healthier foodchoices –To improve the supply and availability of affordable, healthier qualityfood choices within local communities across Barnsley.Physical ActivityThe importance of increasing physical activity levels has become moreapparent due to the rising levels of obesity. In addition to this, theassociation between poor health and physical inactivity is wellrecognised. A range of opportunities are in place in order to encouragehigher levels of participation. These include: community based sportsand active recreation development officers, specialist exercise sessionsaimed at individuals with existing chronic disease, an exercise andweight management programme for obese children, cycle trainingwithin schools and many others. A programme of work to develop ahealth check approach to planning and transport development will helpto create work to an environment that supports active travel. Thisincludes the forthcoming implementation of a Public Health Specialistwithin the local authority Planning Department. A Co-ordinator leads inincreasing walking activity, which includes the training and developmentof Volunteer Walk Leaders, walking groups and the implementation ofthe National Stepometer Programme within schools and communities.This work contributes to the delivery of the walking strategy. A cyclingstrategy has also been developed to increase levels of cycling in theBorough.Mental WellbeingApproximately 25% of the population of Barnsley will experience mentalhealth problems at some point in their life (World Mental Health Report2001) Stress, anxiety and depression account for a third of all lostworking days. Up to 30% of all General Practitioners time with patientsis spent on mental health issues. There are more people in receipt ofincapacity benefit for a mental health problem than are currentlyunemployed in Barnsley.Traditionally, approximately 90% of mental health care is delivered inPrimary Care, with depression accounting for 10% of all new diagnosisin Primary Care. The Mental Health Service is an integrated health andsocial care service and has responsibility for promoting mental healthand mental well being whilst working collaboratively with otheragencies. Over the next two years the provision of talking therapies willbe introduced, along with redesigning current community mental healthservices.Strategies:• Public Health White Paper- Choosing health: making healthierchoices easier 200472Improving the Health of the Public & Narrowing Health Inequalities Barnsley’s Local Area Agreement 2008-11