Residents have their say on healthy lifestyles plan

The results of the Greater Manchester Taking Charge Together campaign – launched yesterday – will help shape health and social care plans for the next five years.

People can join a conversation about everything from exercise to mental health by going to www.takingchargetogether.org.uk and filling in a quick survey or by attending one of 10 community roadshows being hosted in each of the 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester by Key 103.

The questions are being posed as Greater Manchester prepares to take charge and responsibility for a £6bn health and social care budget which will be used to tackle some of the worst health problems in the country.

For example, more than two thirds of early deaths in GM are caused by behaviours which could be changed. And, nearly 25 per cent of the GM population have a mental health or wellbeing issue which can affect everything from health to employment, parenting and housing.

Lord Smith, Chair of GM Health and Social Care Strategic Partnership Board, said: “At the heart of our approach to devolution is an understanding that we need to develop a better, more collaborative, relationship with the people of Greater Manchester - the long term health and wellbeing of the region’s 2.8 million residents will only be secured with their support.

“There is a wealth of knowledge and opinion to tap in to across the region and this campaign provides everybody, from the general public to health and social care employees, with an opportunity to tell us their ideas for improving the health and wellbeing across the region.”