Local views sought for rural health survey

Shropshire residents living in rural communities can help make a difference by taking part in Shropshire’s Rural Health Survey.

Representatives from GPs across the county, Shropshire Council and other bodies representing rural interests, such as the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), are seeking views from people who live in rural areas in Shropshire to help to improve and develop the things that affect you.  In particular, we want to hear about your quality of life and the things that have affected your quality of life. 

Councillor Cecilia Motley, Shropshire Council’s spokesperson for rural affairs, said: 

“Shropshire’s Rural Health Survey gives people living in rural Shropshire an opportunity to tell us what is important to them, and about the things that enhance or affect their quality of life.  I wholeheartedly encourage residents to take part in the survey.  By getting involved you will provide us with a better understanding of the needs of people in our rural communities.” 

Dr Caron Morton, Accountable Officer for Shropshire’s Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), added:

“We are committed to enhancing the quality of life for our rural communities and ensuring they get access to the services that meet their health needs.  Shropshire’s Rural Health Survey will help us identify and address the special challenges faced by rural communities, eliminate health inequalities and enhance the quality of years of healthy life for local people.” 

The results of the survey will be used for further research and analysis to help to make a positive difference to the lives of people living in rural areas in Shropshire. 

You can take part online by visiting www.surveymonkey.com/s/ShropshireRuralHealth.  For more information or a paper copy please contact 01743 252594. 

Closing date for the survey is 31 July 2013.

Anyone in Shropshire who would like information and advice on living a healthy lifestyle can visit www.healthyshropshire.co.uk or call the Healthy Shropshire helpline on 0345 678 9025.  This number has been set up to provide a single point for people to go to for support with improving their health.   Advisers can help people looking to find out more about how they can be healthier, and prevent themselves or others from getting ill.