Decision details

Resolved: That the report be noted by the Board.

8.1       Danny Ruta presented a report seeking the support and engagement of the Health and Wellbeing Board in Lewisham’s Whole System Approach to tackling obesity.

8.2       In 2016 Lewisham Council was awarded National Pilot status for a whole system approach to tackling obesity; one of only four local authorities in the country and the only London Borough. This three year pilot does not bring any direct funding, but a team of obesity and physical activity experts from Leeds Beckett University have been commissioned to support and advise the pilot sites.

8.3       The overarching aims of Lewisham’s draft whole system obesity action plan are:

·         To promote an environment that supports healthy weight and wellbeing as the norm, making it easier for our residents to choose healthier diets and active lifestyles.

·         Supporting our communities and families to become healthier and more resilient, which will include addressing the wider determinants of health.

8.4       At a strategic level, the wider Lewisham Partnership will be engaged through the formation of a Lewisham Obesity Alliance. The Alliance will initially focus on three cross-cutting actions to create healthy environments:

1.    Sugar Smart Lewisham

2.    The Lewisham Daily Mile

3.    Use of Lewisham’s Parks

8.5       These actions can be scaled-up quickly and do not require a huge amount of resource. The approach will be to campaign and galvanise support, rather than inspecting or monitoring for compliance. This support needs to extend to the respective workforces within the wider Lewisham Partnership.