Contact us
Julie Davis, Project Support or Karen Saunders
tel: 0121 352 5077
Who we are
Over recent years the Department of Health in the West Midlands (DHWM) has led a significant programme of work, in conjunction with national DH and local areas, in support of promoting healthy weight and halting the rise in obesity.
The West Midlands’ reports here are a record of, and reflection on, the work delivered over recent years. The reports outline the breadth of activity undertaken, the learning from it, and the many achievements across a range of important priorities. Preventing and managing overweight and obesity are complex problems, with no easy answers. As a result of work undertaken, the West Midlands is becoming increasingly aware of what is effective; what is working to improve outcomes; where improvements are needed and where we can begin to make recommendations on where to invest our valuable resources. It also emphasises the benefits of joint working and shows the economies of scale that can be achieved through co ordinated efforts.
We do this by
DHWM has worked across a complex delivery chain involving various programmes and initiatives; delivered through a wide range of organisations and partnerships across different tiers: national, regional, local and frontline.
DHWM has succeeded in raising public awareness of obesity through, for example, the Change4Life activity; has built capacity; supported improvements in performance and outcomes and has supported the development of skills and knowledge amongst a range of professionals and practitioners.
Central to our approach has been partnership working at local, sub national and national levels. Collaboration with a range of organisations, individuals and other government departments has supported and enhanced local delivery and encouraged innovative approaches to reducing obesity levels and improving health outcomes.
We hope these reports will be of interest and use to those working in health, local government, the voluntary sector and the wider field of education. A lot of good work is already happening in the West Midlands. However, there are also gaps in services and opportunities for greater partnership working at all levels - from strategic planning to frontline service delivery - that would further benefit the population of the West Midlands. The work undertaken to date will be important in informing the priorities for the Public Health England and provides a strong foundation upon which future priorities can be built.
