A successful health project for Shildon was showcased in the town’s Civic Hall on Friday 20th February.
Health Express, launched in 2012, aims to increase knowledge and awareness of health issues in the local community as well as help people access health services and get support in better managing long term health conditions.
The programme aims to help residents of Shildon to live longer, be healthier and lead happier, more fulfilled lives.
The celebratory event was supported by the Bishop Auckland and Shildon Area Action Partnership (AAP) and also saw a range of community activities to promote health and wellbeing launched by Bishop Auckland College.
Anna Lynch, director of public health for County Durham, helped celebrate the successful scheme by announcing her annual report.
She said: “This year my director of public health annual report All the lonely people: social isolation and loneliness in County Durham is different to previous years as I have focused on a single issue that impacts on health and wellbeing.
Social isolation has a greater impact than physical inactivity, obesity or smoking 15 cigarettes per day and it is only by working together in partnership that we can tackle this issue. Together we can and must do more.”
Bishop Auckland and Shildon AAP is one of 14 set up by Durham County Council in 2009 to help the authority better engage with residents.
Cllrs Rob Yorke and Brian Stephens have supported the Health Express project with funding from their neighbourhood budgets.
Shadow Minister of State for Health, Rt Lord Philip Hunt of King’s Heath also attended the event.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
