The
C.H.I.P. van is a mobile unit which travels around East Ayrshire spending time
in some of the most deprived and disadvantaged communities. This Healthy Living
Centre Project is a partnership between the New Opportunities Fund, East Ayrshire
Council, East Ayrshire Coalfield Area Social Inclusion Partnership and the local
communities. It takes exercise and health promotion initiatives to the people
who stand to benefit from them the most.
Starting in July this year the project has been targeting 17 communities in East Ayrshire with a series of health promotion programmes. The focus of the project is our mobile resource - The "C.H.I.P. van", staffed by two full- time health development officers and backed by a network of sessional staff. The resource is able to target specific areas within the communities with a variety of health promotion programmes and events.
The long-term aim of the project is to develop a network of community health forums. These forums will be run by local people but supported by existing health service providers. They will be formally constituted, allowing them to apply for external funding. This will give each forum the autonomy to prioritise local health issues and act on them.
The C.H.I.P van will park in various locations within target communities to facilitate as many of the residents as possible. This will include local shops, sports centres, yards or even on people's doorsteps!
The van, which has full wheelchair access, acts as a central information point for all health-related issues. It is equipped with Internet access as well as a comprehensive health library, promotional display area and a consultation room. Also on board there is a projector and video library, and a detailed Database of groups, clubs and activities that take place within each target community.
Some of the services offered by the project include: lifestyle referral; Food Co-ops and Healthy Eating Workshops; Health programmes for schools; Taster sessions to establish local demand for services; Outreach work; Sign Posting Service a central information point for a variety of topics including local health service provision, local sports, leisure and recreation opportunities, etc. Internet access; Exhibition and Library; Community Consultation.
For further information contact:
MATT LOWTHER
Health Development Manager
East Ayrshire Council
Tel: 01563 576716.
Or visit the website at www.chipvan.co.uk