Chris Packham outlines local health initiatives

A wide range of partnership projects in Nottingham focus on Asian Communities and cover heart disease, diabetes, mental health, sickle cell and thalassaemia. Projects promote health via local radio in Asian languages, activity advisors and mentors, Asian language booklets and videos and cook and eat demonstrations. Special targets include Asian women and Pakistani youths.

Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) and local government are working closely with the voluntary sector and are trying to identify other partners. PCTs are appointing ethnic minority women into a range of positions to communicate via appropriate languages.

Nottingham City PCT has recently supported Masters level research into the role faith plays in health promotion. We recognise that we have a lot to learn from ethnic minorities about how to develop partnership.

There already exist a number of partnership initiatives, for example the Health and Well-being Development Officers who work in specific geographical localities seeking to engage local diverse groups, communities and service providers to improve health and reduce health inequalities.

The PCT runs a Healthy Schools programme in partnership with Nottingham City Council to make sure that all schools have the opportunity to promote health through education and activity.

Chris Packham is the Director of Public Health, Nottingham City Primary Care Trust.