Health Trainers Rising to the Challenge

Jackie Small said: “Today is the launch of the health trainer service for Newcastleunder-
Lyme District Council cause it’s in partnership with NHS North Staffordshire
it's marking really in the north part of Newcastle we know in terms of healthy life
years and in terms of life expectancy that it's lower than the average so health trainers
have been introduced really to work at a community level with local people to support
them to actually make changes to improve their health and well-being really, so it's
about a support programme really to give people information about where they can go
for more health.”

Reporter asks: “So how has this scheme been celebrated today?”

Jackie Small answers: “To celebrate the scheme we’ve had a balloon launch, we’ve
also got a market stall here, the market stalls got some referral cards and information
about the service, how to actually self refer into it what kind of support it offers and
really just a wide range of things people can do to make a difference to their health.”
Dawn Simmonds said: “We’re talking to people about their diet, any activities they
do and smoking and drinking habits they might have and if they want to make
changes in any of those areas we can help point them in the right direction set them
some goals and targets and see them a few times to see how they are getting on.”

Councillor Mary Maxfield said: “It is a good idea because people must be made
aware that healthy eating, healthy lifestyles will prolong your life.”

Reporter asks: “What has been the response from the public today?”

Councillor Mary Maxfield answers: “It’s been excellent!! If we look down the
market square there are people enrolling and there have been some referrals.”