Health Creation Week 'A healthier you for a healthier planet'.

We ran a health creation week in June 2024 across our PCN (5 GP practices in and around Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire) using funds from our ICB to support the Gloucestershire primary care sustainability initiative. Our aim was to have a week of events for both staff and patients with some overlap. Our week coincided with national Great Big Green week and there were other local community groups and organisations who had activities related to this. ‘A healthier you for a healthier planet’ The aim was to engage people to stay healthy for their own benefit, for the benefit of their community and the wider environment eg simple action – to walk instead of using a car – good for physical health, reduce road congestion and air pollution. Access a community group/green space for positive mental and physical health- reduce need for medication – reduce environmental pollution etc We used the following broad themes: Food & nutrition Nature connection Clean air Clean waterways Reduce, reuse, repurpose & recycle Local connections; mental & physical wellbeing and then focussed on activities/actions within those to link to relevant groups/speakers for patient and staff topics . Health and well-being – looking after your own health – accessing green spaces, community groups and resources, nutrition Reduction in environmental pollution/carbon footprint – eg only ordering medication needed, taking as prescribed, safe disposal of medication Respiratory health & air pollution – correct use of inhalers, changing to lower carbon alternative, safe disposal, choice of transport. Attached is a summary of the events, results and feedback. It certainly raised the profile of sustainability issues in primary care amongst patients and staff. We consolidated on these messages with further initiatives later in the year including the Dorset Only Order What you Need campaign.