Pendle Makes Healthy Weight Declaration

Pendle’s Health and Wellbeing Partnership has formally signed a declaration to promote healthy weight across the borough.

The proportion of overweight and obese adults in Pendle is 68% – higher than the national average.

Partners came together to make a commitment to help residents to make better choices at FUNDA LAND in Northlight, Brierfield, on Wednesday 25 June.

Developed by North West based charity, Food Active, the Healthy Weight Declaration was first launched in 2015 and dozens of local authorities across the country have now adopted it.

Pendle’s Health and Wellbeing Partnership is made up of organisations including Pendle Borough Council; Pendle Leisure Trust; Pendle East Primary Care Network; Pendle West Primary Care Network; representatives of community and voluntary organisations and Lancashire County Council.

39% of children in the borough are overweight or obese by the time they start secondary school.

Councillor David Whipp, Pendle Borough Council’s Leader, said: “The Pendle Health and Wellbeing Partnership is the first in England to adopt a district declaration.

“Pendle Borough Council is pleased to support this partnership commitment to support healthy weight across local communities.”

Dr Irfan Chaudry, Clinical Director of Pendle West Primary Care Network and Chair of Pendle Health and Wellbeing Partnership, said: “Signing the declaration as a Health and Wellbeing Partnership is the right approach in Pendle.

“By working collectively to review our services and policies to shape healthier environments, we can alleviate pressure on the NHS and social care, whilst supporting our local communities to live well.”

Councillor Mohammad Hanif, Portfolio Holder for Health and Leisure Services at Pendle Borough Council, said: “Promoting healthy weight across Pendle is a key priority for us.

“39% of children in the borough are overweight or obese by the time they start secondary school.

“It is important to have a commitment to healthy weight, working with a range of organisations to ensure it is included in all policies.

“I’m really pleased that the Partnership has taken this positive step.”

Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, Director of Public Health Wellbeing and Communities at Lancashire County Council, said: “This demonstrates a commitment across partnerships led through local government action in making Pendle a healthy place, reaching into and working with communities to improve quality of life for all.

“This is about the benefits for Lancashire, and Pendle in particular, creating the right conditions for people to thrive.”

Robin Ireland, Research Director at Food Active and the lead for this project, said: “Congratulations to Pendle Health and Wellbeing Partnership for taking this stand.

“We all know how difficult it is to make the right choices when we are surrounded by unhealthy food, the wrong advertising messages and when sugary drinks are cheaper than water.

“I am delighted that Pendle Health and Wellbeing Partnership is doing everything they can to help their residents, workers and pupils eat healthier.

“I hope other districts will follow Pendle’s example.”