CHARITIES, businesses and local organisations are working together in East Cambridgeshire to improve the health of residents. Under an initiative funded with lottery money, the groups are supporting a whole host of projects which address a range of health

CHARITIES, businesses and local organisations are working together in East Cambridgeshire to improve the health of residents.

Under an initiative funded with lottery money, the groups are supporting a whole host of projects which address a range of health and social issues.

The Healthy Living - East Cambridgeshire project was launched in 2002 with cash from the Big Lottery Fund and will last for five years.

It has two main partners, East Cambridgeshire District Council and development, families, children and young people, older and isolated people and information outreach - designed to address specific areas of need.

Fitness and food is associated with maintaining a healthy lifestyle through exercise and diet.

There is an exercise referral scheme which involves partnership between doctors, patients and local sports centres where doctors refer patients to undergo fitness assessments and the centres develop tailored exercise programmes.

Community development has been set up to improve people's skills, knowledge and experience to allow them to have an active involvement in issues that affect their lives. There are confidence building and community skills courses.

The families, children and young people projects are designed for people dealing with everyday issues affecting their lives, such as childhood behavioural problems or teenage worries.

For older and isolated people there is information and guidance through a range of activities including a Good Neighbour scheme organised by volunteers.

They offer practical support, such as a lift to the doctor, or just a friendly face calling in to check on a neighbour.

Projects aimed at providing information through various different mediums are offered under information and outreach. It could be information on childcare, local services, general health matters or organising access to a computer.

Project Development Manager, Cathy Howlett, said: "We are very proud of our achievements and we are confident there has been overall improvement in the health and well-being of the people living in East Cambridgeshire as a result of the Healthy Living - East Cambridgeshire initiative.

"As well as having a positive impact on the health and well-being of the population of East Cambridgeshire, we have been successful in working in partnership with the NHS, local authorities and the private, voluntary and independent sector. We are enormously grateful to all our partners who have supported us and worked with us over the last four years."

# For more information on the initiative visit the website at www.hlec.org or contact Cathy Howlett on 01353 616185.