New helpline for advice and information on healthy lifestyles

A new helpline is available from today (Thursday 24 January 2013) for anyone in Shropshire who would like information and advice on living a healthy lifestyle.

Shropshire Council and Shropshire Public Health, part of the County Primary Care Trust, have set up the Healthy Shropshire number to provide a single point for people to go to for support with improving their health. Advisors can help people looking to find out more about how they can be healthier, and prevent themselves or others from getting ill.

The helpline number is 0345 678 9025.

Advisors from Shropshire Council’s Customer Services team can assist with information on a range of services that are available, including:

• Help to stop smoking and support with alcohol issues

• Help with weight management and healthy eating

• Support in being more active, such as finding exercise classes in the area

They can discuss callers’ individual health needs and what specific services might help them in making changes.

As well as helping the public, the helpline aims to bring together information in one place for professionals to share with patients, clients and people using their services.

Councillor Ann Hartley, Shropshire Council Cabinet member for health and well-being, said:

“The helpline has been set up as part of our Making Every Contact Count policy, which outlines a commitment to making the most of all opportunities to help customers with information that could improve their health.

“The helpline builds on changes taking place which enhance the council’s already considerable contribution to public health through services such as housing, environmental health and leisure.

“By working in this way, using as many opportunities as possible to provide advice or signpost people to other services which can offer support, we hope to help people before they get ill, improve health and well-being, and reduce inequalities in health.”

Councillor Tina Woodward, deputy Cabinet member responsible for customer care, said:

“The setting up of the Healthy Shropshire helpline means that people no longer need to call different numbers across the county. We want to ensure that services are being delivered in the best way possible, and that information on them is brought together so that it is clear and easy for customers to obtain the support they need on living a healthy lifestyle.”

The Healthy Shropshire helpline is open Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6pm, and on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm.

The responsibility for public health in Shropshire will move from Shropshire County Primary Care Trust and other NHS trusts to Shropshire Council from April.

For more information on the changes to public health go to shropshire.gov.uk/publichealth