Plans to set up new ‘Help2Change’ company under ip&e to be progressed

The development of a proposal to bring together initiatives that support people to live long and healthy lives into one company, as part of the Shropshire-Council owned organisation ip&e, was today (Wednesday 9 April 2014) agreed by councillors.

Shropshire Council’s Cabinet discussed initial plans to form the new enterprise, with the working title of ‘Help2Change’, which would aim to prevent long-term health conditions, improve quality of life and reduce inequalities in health.

A range of programmes to prevent ill health are currently commissioned by Shropshire Council and delivered by external organisations.  These include NHS Health Checks, Help2Quit, and Help2Slim.

It is proposed that Help2Change would join up these initiatives to improve people’s health by transferring them to one place under ip&e (inspiring partnerships and enterprise). Help2Change would then work closely with partner organisations, including GPs, pharmacists, ShropDoc, community and voluntary groups, businesses, hospitals and NHS community trusts, to deliver services that are convenient, accessible and designed around the needs of local people.

Councillors agreed the principle of establishing Help2Change and a detailed business case will now be developed, before a final decision is taken.

ip&e provides public services on the council’s behalf and enables the council to reinvest any profit back into services. The proposals are for Help2Change to be structured as a non-profit distributing subsidiary of ip&e Limited, which means that any profit made is reinvested directly into public health and, in turn, helping people lead healthier lives.

Keith Barrow, Leader of Shropshire Council, added:

“While we’re at an early stage with the proposal, this is a groundbreaking step, as it would be the first transfer of its kind to ip&e, and would open up a range of possibilities.

“It’s a chance to think differently, to explore the potential to work more effectively with partners, bring in more funds for the people of Shropshire and be more responsive to their needs.

“From quitting smoking to getting active, we want to ensure people have the support they need to live a healthy life.”

Further information

Shropshire Council has been responsible for commissioning preventative health services since April 2013 as part of the wider transfer of public health work previously undertaken by Shropshire County Primary Care Trust and other NHS trusts.

For more information on public health initiatives go to www.healthyshropshire.co.uk.