Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Director of Public Health.

This report outlines the rationale for the development of the strategy, summarises some of the key evidence base and gives an overview of the key objectives within which the strategy’s action plan has been developed.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to note the Strategy.

Officer contact: Russ Boaler, 0161 474 3941, russ.boaler@stockport.gov.uk

The Deputy Director of Public Health submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Scrutiny Committee to consider the Physical Activity Strategy for 2015-18.

The Strategy was accompanied by an Action Plan that would be monitored annually, and would complement the existing Stockport Joint Health & Wellbeing Strategy and the developing Greater Manchester Physical Activity Strategy.

The Strategy was not solely concerned with encouraging people to be physical active but also to address the risks associated with being sedentary.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         What more could the Scrutiny Committee do to champion non-sedentary behaviour, given the committee meeting itself was inherently sedentary? It was commented that the public sector had a key role in leading by example, including the introduction of standing desks, etc. and that because of the significant impact this activity had on health it was vital to promote physical activity. It was suggested that this Committee could consider having ‘standing agenda items’ during its meetings.

·         It was important to encourage schools to open their facilities for wider community use, but this needed to be handled appropriately so that schools understood the benefits to them and the wider community, as well as ensuring the facilities were used effectively.

·         There were many physical activities that were free, but given the reduced investment in park facilities etc., this may discourage people from using them as their quality deteriorated. This was likely to lead to a consequential cost elsewhere in the public sector, such as the health service. Minimal investment may therefore lead to significant benefits.

·         It was commented that there were a significant number of health professionals whose own health was less than ideal and this meant that the message to patients was often less well received.

·         While the aims of the Strategy were laudable and obviously beneficial, the challenge would be to convince people to change their lifestyles and behaviour.

·         There was clear evidence of the mental health benefits from physical activity.

RESOLVED – That the Physical Activity Strategy be welcomed.