11 November 2008
A major initiative has been launched aimed at significantly improving the health and well-being of some of the most deprived valleys communities across Wales.
Health Challenge Valleys is a joint collaboration between the Welsh Assembly Government, Heads of the Valleys Programme, Welsh Local Government Association and the National Public Health Service for Wales.
The Heads of the Valleys are some of the most deprived communities across Wales where the rates of poverty and deprivation are among the highest across the UK and the effects of such local deprivation are poor health and well-being.
This project is aimed at closing this inequalities gap and providing communities in these areas with the same access to healthy and fulfilling lives as any other community across the UK.
The initiative is closely linked to the ongoing Heads of the Valleys regeneration programme - a £140m investment programme spanning over 15 years led by the Welsh Assembly Government - to boost communities in Merthyr Tydfil, Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen, Caerphilly and Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Through regeneration, economic growth, and environmental improvement to these areas, the aim is to secure the Heads of the Valleys as a successful and attractive area for people to live and work.
Cllr Meryl Gravell (Carmarthenshire), WLGA Social Care and Health Spokesperson said: “The strategy of Health Challenge Valleys is quite simple. We can’t rely on the NHS alone to do a job of driving the health improvement agenda – Councils in Wales provide over 700 services – each one has the potential to impact on health and wellbeing of citizens and communities. We need to maximise these impacts and co-ordinate action to improve health and wellbeing across the region.”
“Many people don’t realise the impact they have in helping create a healthier area. All those working at community level have a duty to pass on information to create an impact.”
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For more information about Health Challenge Valleys visit: www.healthchallengevalleys.com
Notes to editors
The Heads of the Valleys initiative was launched by the Welsh Assembly Government in September 2004. The 15 year regeneration strategy has been developed in full partnership with five local authorities, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr Tydfil, Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen, and other local stakeholders. The initiative is tackling the root causes of economic inactivity and other key issues in the area, within the context of the Wales Spatial Plan.
The programme aims to create:
• An attractive and well-used natural, historic and built environment
• A vibrant economic landscape offering new opportunities
• A well educated, skilled and healthier population
• An appealing and coherent tourism and leisure experience
• Public confidence in a shared bright future
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For more information contact: Natasha Weeks