Swindon’s first Health Ambassadors are now really established in the town and helping many local people become healthier and more confident. Since their official launch in September 2009, the team has doubled to 10 Health Ambassadors to help with the growing demand for this popular service. Within this team, there is also an Elder Ambassador worker who promotes and helps towards healthier lifestyles specifically for older people.
Employed by Swindon Borough Council and funded by Swindon PCT, A Health Ambassador can meet with a client for six 1:1 sessions and initially help them devise an action plan regarding their health. This action plan will not only work towards short term goals but find realistic changes that can be maintained throughout life.
Already Health Ambassadors have helped many people to gain a healthier weight, take up physical exercise and to stop smoking. The support given can range from informing the client of all health related activities within their area to actually accompanying them on healthy walks or helping them shop for healthier foods at the supermarket, for example.
The service is free and confidential for anyone over the age of 16 and you can access it by either emailing Peter Kent, the Health & Elder Ambassadors Co-ordinator at pkent@swindon.gov.uk, phoning him on 07824868437
Annual Report 2012
The Health Ambassadors produce an annual report, click here for the April 2011- March 2012 report.
Leaflet
The information contained on this web page is also available in a printed leaflet
Swindon Health Ambassadors - Fresh Start Leaflet (file size 379 kb)
More information is also available on the Swindon Borough Council website at www.swindon.gov.uk/healthambassadors