The Local Government Association (LGA) has joined forces with RSPH to deliver training that enables elected members to champion health improvement in their communities.

The transition of public health into local government has been one of the most significant changes for local councils in recent years, which has in turn created an opportunity for them to make a stronger impact on improving the health of their local communities. To assist in the delivery of key health messaging, the LGA and RSPH will be running a series of free one day training across the UK, designed to provide them with the skills and tools to understand health improvement, local and national policy, future challenges and opportunities within their region.

Shirley Cramer CBE, Chief Executive, RSPH said: “With the current economic challenges it is vital that preventing ill health is at the heart of services in communities and the RSPH is pleased to be working with the LGA to support elected members to make this happen.

“Our joint training programme with the LGA aims to help establish a baseline understanding of prevention and health improvement issues and challenges.  It will develop our elected members’ knowledge and understanding of national and local community health and wellbeing policies and priorities, and will contribute to the radical upgrade in the NHS Five Year Forward View.

“Championing health improvement is an opportunity to make a significant impact within our local communities.”

Cllr Izzie Seccombe, Chair of the National Wellbeing Board, LGA, said: “I encourage all my fellow councillors to take part in these courses. Championing health within your community will give you the experience, enthusiasm and skills to encourage and support your fellow councillors and communities to engage in health improvement activities. It will also ensure that the health issues facing communities remain high on the agenda of organisations that can effect change.”

The training will be held on the following dates with more to follow in the New Year:

14 October: Warwick University
28 October: Whitehall, London
11 November: Leeds
12 November: Taunton
3 December: West Sussex
16 December: Gateshead, Newcastle
20 January: East Midlands
23 February: Cambridge

If you’re an elected member looking to develop your knowledge and understanding of national and local community health and wellbeing policies and priorities email us at [email protected] to book your place.