Health Minister praises work of Perth and Kinross HCC

Nov 13 2009 by Katy Gordon, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

HEALTH Minister Shona Robison gave the keynote address at an event to showcase the work of the Perth and Kinross Healthy Communities Collaborative (HCC) in improving health and well-being.

Delegates at the event, which was held in the Salutation Hotel in Perth, saw older community volunteers from the HCC present on issues such as relationships, physical health, discrimination, poverty and participation in activity.

Ms Robison said: “It’s great to see people coming together and working with the NHS, the council and organisations in their area to improve the health and well-being of their communities.’’

The HCC is a ground-breaking partnership between NHS Tayside, Perth and Kinross Council and older people. It is jointly-funded by NHS Tayside and Perth and Kinross Council and seeks to tackle inequalities and improve health through community development and collaboration.

Local older community members lead the work in teams supported by professionals to highlight and address issues which affect the health and well-being of themselves and their communities.

The project began in 2005 in three communities in Perth, Blairgowrie/Rattray and Crieff/Comrie before being extended to Aberfeldy, the Carse of Gowrie and further communities in Perth and Blairgowrie. There are currently nine teams consisting of around 100 volunteers across Perth and Kinross.

Some of the things which have been introduced include: increasing socialising and exercise opportunities through the development of lunch clubs and exercise groups; providing local opportunities to speak with energy-saving advice agencies; introducing computer technology at community halls; and mobile phone tuition.