Please note this extract was taken from Glasgow Community Planning Partnership Community Plan 2005 - 2010.

Our Primary Goal

We will improve the health of everyone in Glasgow and narrow the health gap by improving thehealth of the most disadvantaged communities and groups in Glasgow at a faster rate.

Our Key Aims

• We will reduce the harm associated with smoking and with drug and alcohol misuse.
• We will reduce the impact of poverty on the health of children and young people.
• We will support Glaswegians in leading active healthy lives.
• We will promote positive mental health for all and reduce stigma associated with mental illness.
• We will seek to reduce teenage pregnancies and promote positive sexual health.
• We will ensure provision of appropriate services to support carers and older people.
• We will support Glaswegians in benefiting from safe and healthy working lives.
• We will treat people with respect and value difference, improving the poor health of Glaswegians is a priority for everyone if we are to secure a better future for Glasgow.

Much of Glasgow’s poor health is avoidable and continues to be affected by the lack of prosperity in areas of the City or some of the ways in which we choose to live.While many enjoy good health,the rates of chronic illness and premature death in the poorest parts of the city create a ‘health divide’ that is unacceptable and must be reduced.

Poverty has a major impact on the ability of people to lead healthy lives. Many children and young people, as a result of their poor life circumstances, cannot take part in activities that lead to healthier lifestyles or are vulnerable to negative factors that adversely impact on their health. By supporting action that addresses these negative impacts, provides support for healthy life choices and increases the economic position of our poorer families, we will strive to reduce the impact ofpoverty on children and young people’s health.

There are particular health issues for those affected by homelessness and worklessness that should be tackled through partnership working.

Making healthy choices will be different for everyone. Smoking is a major cause of ill-health and premature death in Glasgow. Diet and exercise play a vital role in ensuring good health. By providing healthy environments, a broad range of facilities and services, support for people to give up smoking, health education and active opportunities for our citizens, we will ensure that everyone can enjoy healthier lifestyles.

Drug and alcohol misuse is not simply an individual problem but raises concerns that affect whole families and communities alike.We will work to tackle these concerns by ensuring that support services for those with drug and alcohol problems are targeted and effective.

There are many factors that can impact on people’s mental health. These may be through illness, such as dementia, anxieties arising from physical health problems or through life circumstances that have a direct impact on how people feel about themselves.We will seek to support the mental wellbeing of everyone in Glasgow.We will also support those with mental health issues to have a better quality of life and reduce the stigma they can experience, by helping our communities to be better informed about mental illness.

There are estimated to be around 62,000 carers in Glasgow. Their caring role assists thousands of  vulnerable people to live good quality lives in their own homes and communities. However this role, most often shouldered willingly, can lead many to compromise their own health and wellbeing. We will provide better joined up services to meet the needs of carers and the people they support.

We also understand the positive ways in which employment can support good health and we will promote safe and healthy working environments throughout Glasgow.

In our drive to achieve a healthier Glasgow, we will ensure that opportunities for people to improve their health circumstances are accessible, irrespective of age, gender, race, religion or sexuality and that service responses are appropriate and equality proofed.

For more information on a Healthy North Glasgow click here