App helps residents lead healthy, active lives

Council launches free new service offering personalised support for better health and well-being. 

Tailored guidance is now available online to help residents in Solihull eat more healthily, become more physically active, improve their sleep and manage stress.  

Photo by Anupam Mahapatra / Unsplash

The metropolitan borough council has funded the Healthy Active Lives initiative to help people take practical steps towards a healthier lifestyle, for themselves and their families.  

Delivered by specialists DDM Health, the resources on the site recognise that people’s needs will be different, with some people wanting practical advice, or details of local activities they can join, and others ready for a more structured programme. 

The site boasts a body mass index (BMI) calculator as a starting point for people to think about their overall level of health. Its advice covers such topics as healthy eating, physical activity, behaviour change, sleep and stress, and healthy eating on a budget, noting that small but consistent steps can make a big difference over time.  

Local activities on offer include swimming, park runs, and keep fit for all ages. There’s then details of how to sign up to the evidence-based 12-week weight management programme. Residents can refer themselves to the service or can be referred by their GP. 

The service also provides access to a dedicated app enabling users to track progress and set personal goals. Some residents will also be eligible for additional one-to-one support with trained advisors. 

Ruth Tennant, Director of Public Health at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, says: ‘Making changes to improve our health and wellbeing can feel challenging, but the right support can make all the difference. Working with DDM Health, we want to deliver support to make it easier for people to take those first steps and build healthier habits that last.  

‘We know that many common health conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure and certain cancers can be prevented or delayed by making simple, sustainable changes.’ 

Cllr Tony Dicicco, Cabinet Portfolio-holder for Adult Social Care and Health, adds: ‘As part of our Here2Help programme, we are delighted to launch the healthy active lives service. By offering personalised support, practical tools, and one-to-one help where needed, we are giving residents the opportunity to take control of their health in a way that suits their lives.’ 

Arjun Panesar, Founding CEO of DDM Health, says: ‘As a local organisation, we are delighted to be working with Solihull Council to deliver the healthy active lives service and build on the strong foundations already in place.  

‘Our focus is on providing practical, personalised and compassionate support that helps people make realistic changes to improve their health and wellbeing. We look forward to working alongside residents, communities, GPs and local partners to make healthier choices easier, more accessible and more sustainable across Solihull.’

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