Agenda item

Joanna Saunders, Head of Health Improvement

Joanna Saunders, Head of Health Improvement, presented an update on the re-procurement of Rotherham’s Healthy Weight Framework and the action plan in response to the Scrutiny Review of Childhood Obesity.

The report stated that services in Rotherham’s Healthy Weight Framework (tiered weight management services) were re-commissioned with new contracts effective from April 2015. 3 contracts for the delivery of Child Obesity Services had been awarded to two providers. Places for People Leisure would deliver the tier two programme (MoreLife clubs) and MoreLife Ltd will be delivering tier three (MoreLife clubs with 1:1 support) and also tier four (MoreLife residential camp).  An explanation was provided of the three tiers of service within the programmes which engaged families and offered healthy eating and dietary advice, increased opportunities for physical activity, including group/team sports and enhanced services for people who had a higher body mass index (specialist input including psychological, dietetic and clinical input as required).

The annual National Child Measuring Programme was discussed which showed variation year-on-year as different cohorts of children were weighed and measured.  For the first time, data was now available with 2 measures for the same cohort of children which would help with identifying trends.

The single point of contact had proved very successful and used telephone triage.  Internet website and social media access were also in place.

Discussion took place on the availability of information and funding for organisations which provided physical activities within the community (eg: sports; dancing).

Members were informed of the partnership working with schools and academies, especially in terms of guidance on school meals and healthy eating for pupils. Additionally, the Weight Management Programme was being promoted throughout the community. There has been a good take-up of free school meals and “stay on site” policies were being encouraged through the cluster of schools within learning communities.

Information was provided about the success stories of individuals who had benefited from the tiered programme to reduce obesity.

One example was of a young man who had attended the residential camp on two occasions and had continued to reduce his weight through attendance at the club programme, supporting his younger siblings in weight loss as well.  He had provided a strong role model for peers and was working at this year’s residential camp in a voluntary capacity, thus gaining valuable work experience.

Resolved:- (1) That the progress being made against the recommendations of Rotherham’s Healthy Weight Framework, as contained in the report now submitted, be noted.

(2) That the progress being made against the recommendations identified in the original Scrutiny Review and the resources being deployed to reduce levels of childhood obesity, as now reported, be noted.

(3) That the Health Select Commission continue to be informed of progress of Rotherham’s Healthy Weight Framework, as it affected all age groups of the Borough’s residents.

Footnote : subsequent to the meeting, the information below was obtained in response to a specific question raised and had been included in the minutes:-

Sports Club Development

As part of the Children and Young People’s group for Sport and Physical Activity in the Borough area, a club development evening would be delivered from Rotherham United Football Club’s New York Stadium, probably during October 2015.  The purpose of the event was to invite local clubs to an evening (6pm-9pm) with presentations on a number of topics.  At present, the planned topics were expected to be:-

(i) Funding - both the local funding streams available and how to complete a form (what funders were looking for in a bid, key phrases/ buzz words, where local information could be sourced to support a bid; ie: health statistics).

(ii) Club structure - club requirements, paper work, Disclosure and Barring Service/ welfare; etc

(iii) Possibly something about facilities;

(iv) Facilitated session on other club issues raised throughout the evening.