Good to talk health

A health event hosted by Blackburn with Darwen’s Health and Wellbeing Board was a big success this week with over 100 people taking part.

‘HealthTalk’ took place at Youth Zone on Tuesday, November 25 and featured a structured public engagement session for an invited group of around 80 Blackburn with Darwen residents to capture their views and experiences about health and wellbeing.

It was a chance for the residents from all over the borough to directly influence the borough’s health and wellbeing strategy by coming up with ideas to create and sustain health where they live.

Members of the board were on hand to answer questions and offer advice and guidance.

Other activities were available on the day including information stalls, a rowing machine, table tennis as well as art displays and live music from young people from Youth Zone.

As well as residents, several organisations were also represented at the event including Blackburn with Darwen Council, Healthwatch, East Lancashire Hospital Trust, Blackburn with Darwen Clinical Commissioning Group and Age UK.

More Healthtalk events are planned to take place in local communities around the borough through to next March with dates to be confirmed.

Councillor Mohammed Khan, Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board, said:

“I’m delighted HealthTalk was such a success and many residents came to take part in the engagement session. There are lots of things we can do together to keep people healthy and help those who are unwell to get their health back and this event showcased and highlighted how people can access those services.”

Joe Slater, Chair of Blackburn with Darwen CCG, said:

“It was a fantastic event and a brilliant chance for members of the Health and Wellbeing Board to hear all about the positive things going on in people’s neighbourhoods that make people healthy and keep them healthy and to contribute to the Health and Wellbeing Strategy.”