Dumfries and Galloway projects offered a warm welcome to health chiefs

Dumfries and Galloway projects impress health chiefs with their commitment to improving public health in the region. The Scottish Minister for public health, Jenny Minto, and COSLA spokesperson for health and social care, Paul Kelly, recently visited the region to witness firsthand the collaborative efforts being undertaken to reduce health inequalities and enhance the overall well-being of residents.

NHS Dumfries and Galloway’s director of public health, Valerie White, expressed her satisfaction with the positive feedback received from the visiting officials. The duo commended the range of projects and initiatives aimed at promoting community health and well-being in the region. The visit, hosted at The Bridge in Dumfries, showcased various projects aligned with the Local Outcome Improvement Plan of the Community Planning Partnership.

One of the highlights of the visit was the Summerhill Community Centre in North West Dumfries, an area identified as having high deprivation. The centre offers a wide range of services and community-led projects to support residents, including a food distribution program, a community pantry, fitness classes, and recreational activities. The ministers praised the outstanding work being done at the centre and highlighted it as an exemplary model of Public Health in Action.

Discussions also revolved around the region’s Local Outcome Improvement Plan, which guides collaborative efforts to create a healthier and more resilient community. The Dumfries and Galloway Active Lives Pathway, a community-based physical activity program, was introduced to the visiting officials as a key initiative aimed at improving health outcomes by promoting physical activity accessibility for all residents.

Moreover, the importance of addressing child poverty was underscored during the visit, with young people from the region presenting a short film, Through Young Eyes, which sheds light on the hidden impacts of poverty. This initiative aims to amplify youth voices in shaping future policies and actions related to poverty alleviation.

Community transport accessibility was also a key topic of discussion, with plans outlined for a three-year initiative to enhance transport services in the region. The proposed hub-and-spoke model seeks to address connectivity challenges faced by residents, particularly in remote areas.

Overall, the visit by the health chiefs highlighted the exemplary collaborative efforts underway in Dumfries and Galloway to improve public health outcomes and create more inclusive communities. The commitment to partnership working between the health board and local authorities was emphasised as crucial in driving meaningful progress in health and well-being initiatives.