Public health report awarded national prize

Blackburn with Darwen’s 2014 public health annual report has been commended at a national level.

The report was handed third place in the Association of Directors of Public Health’s yearly annual report competition – with the organisers praising it for its innovation and use of digital media.

Entries into the competition are judged by an independent panel which looks for readability, accessibility and innovation as well as relevant and challenging content.

The Blackburn with Darwen report, which was produced by local videographers Claire and Matt Aindow, comes in the form of an interactive PDF looking at health and wellbeing for local residents and how it changes throughout people’s lives. It is set out in three sections – Start Well, Live Well and Age Well.

The views of residents are at the forefront of it with each section having two key health issues that are important to children and young people, people of working age and older people. There is a summary video in each which describes the common health issues and the causes of poor health, followed by residents’ ideas about how to stay healthy.

The videos and interactive diagrams were designed to be used by community groups, residents and members of the Health and Wellbeing Board to kick start discussions about health and wellbeing in Blackburn with Darwen.

The production of an annual report on the health and wellbeing of residents is a statutory requirement of the Director of Public Health role. View the 2014 report here 

Dominic Harrison, Director of Public Health for Blackburn with Darwen, said:

This is a fantastic accolade and we’re thrilled to be recognised on a national level. This report shares the views and ideas of Blackburn with Darwen residents and highlights that we are not just responsible for our own health but also for the health of our wider community and that we can make a difference through what we do with and for others.

Councillor Mustafa Desai, Executive Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said:

I am delighted the report has been recognised in this way. We face a firm set of health challenges in Blackburn with Darwen but with a strong and confident civic response, and by all continuing to work together on the agenda set out in this report, I am confident we will continue to make a very significant difference to the health outcomes of residents of the borough.

Claire Aindow said:

In thinking digitally, Blackburn with Darwen Council are showing their commitment to saving money to help local people and saving paper to help the environment. We were delighted to bring the Director of Public Health’s vision to fruition and are grateful to have played a part in winning this award.