COMMISSION TO PROBE HEALTH FUNDING
One of the first tasks of the new Fairness Commission will be to look at “the lack of adequate funding for health in Croydon from central government”.
The announcement comes in the latest Croydon public health report which focuses on reducing inequalities between different parts of the borough.
The report takes a close look at how communities in New Addington and Fieldway are tackling health issues which affect Croydon as a whole.
A Croydon council spokesman said: “It holds the two areas up as examples of places where lessons can be learned elsewhere in the borough.
“The report also announces that one of the first tasks of the newly set up Fairness Commission will be to look at the lack of adequate funding for health in Croydon from central government.
“It explores how the six key areas of economy, lifestyle, genes and ethnicity, social networks, health and social services, and housing and local neighbourhoods all have an impact on people’s health.
“It features examples from each of these areas on how progress is being made in New Addington and Fieldway, covering everything from eating well and support for people with cancer to domestic violence and sexual health.
“Examples of community initiatives range from Cronx Brewery, based at Vulcan Business Centre in New Addington, where it is promoting responsible drinking and minimising the risk of harm from alcohol, to The Vine Foodbank, a community project that supports families in need.
“The report shows how an improved physical environment through the redesign of Central Parade is having a positive effect in encouraging people to walk or cycle.
“Case studies feature throughout from local residents telling their own personal stories about how they improved their own health, be it from losing weight or quitting smoking” he added.
Cabinet member for people and communities Cllr Louisa Woodley said: “This year’s report is about learning from the people of New Addington and Fieldway, who in spite of suffering huge inequalities, are some of Croydon’s greatest public health ambassadors and are affected by problems which the rest of our borough faces on a daily basis.
“We all have a role to play in improving the health and wellbeing of Croydon, and the community initiatives in these two wards are fantastic examples of how we can achieve this.”
The report is available on the council’s website at www.croydon.gov.uk Detailed statistics on health in Croydon can be found on the Croydon Observatory website atwww.croydonobservatory.org/jsna (Source: Croydon council press release)