A groundbreaking partnership initiative to tackle the growing rise of diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Newham has been launched
A groundbreaking partnership initiative to tackle the growing rise of diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Newham has been launched.
The 150Club scheme is an initiative by NHS Newham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), Newham Council and the 150Club partnership - made up of the West Ham United Foundation working with the council’s leisure trust activeNewam and the Staywell Partnership.
It is an innovative 24 week programme offering local residents at risk of diabetes or cardiovascular disease a wide range of tailored physical activities to help combat the diseases. It aims to empower local people and enable them to take greater control of their own health.
Taking its name from the recommended amount of 150 minutes of exercise people should take per week, the 150Club is part of a bid to tackle high rates of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in Newham by helping people to stay healthier. The borough has the second highest predicted prevalence rate of Type 2 diabetes in England, with more than 24, 500 of residents currently diagnosed with diabetes.
This initiative, known as the Newham Community Prescription Scheme, was first piloted in a number of Newham GP practices in 2013. The lessons learned from this initiative have now been used to roll-out the Newham Community Prescription across the borough, helping reduce the risk of long-term health complications associated with diabetes, such as heart disease, stroke or kidney disease.
GPs across the borough can now refer patients aged 18 and over who are at risk of developing diabetes or cardiovascular disease to the 150Club. These patients will be supported by lifestyle advisers, who will provide them with individual support and guidance and signpost them to one of the three organisations across the borough delivering the fitness based support. Each person will receive one-to-one assessments and the advisers will track their progress to make sure the programme is as beneficial to them as possible.
West Ham United Foundation Chief Executive, Joe Lyons said: “This is all about local organisations coming together for the greater good of the borough. Between all those involved we have such an array of expertise to draw upon to really tackle the levels of diabetes in Newham.
“The West Ham United Foundation is committed to serving the people of Newham for the long-term and we’re working across a diverse and broad demographic, with the aim of creating a cohesive and resilient community. This is such an exciting project to be involved with and we’re proud to be challenging the way things are currently being done.”
Dr Shahzada Khan, a local GP and clinical lead for diabetes at NHS Newham CCG, said: “We know that increasing physical activity is one of the most important things you can do to reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The 150Club, through the Newham Community Prescription scheme, will not only give local people the opportunity to take part in activities that will help them to get fit and stay healthy, it will also offer them the support to make real, long lasting changes to their lifestyle.”
Councillor Clive Furness, Newham Council’s mayoral advisor for adults and health, added: “Diabetes is a preventable disease through people living healthier and more active lifestyles. This innovative project is a fantastic example of organisations coming together to tackle the issue and give residents the chance of taking back control of their health.
“Through this project we will be able to tailor personalised help and support for those at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. This will not only ensure our residents can live healthier lives it will also help reduce the pressure on our health services.”
Following the 24 week programme, patients will be signposted to a number of services across the borough to help them continue their healthier lifestyle ranging from walking football to tai chi classes, so that they can continue to sustain a healthy lifestyle for the long-term.
The 150Club scheme is an initiative by NHS Newham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), Newham Council and the 150Club partnership - made up of the West Ham United Foundation working with the council’s leisure trust activeNewam and the Staywell Partnership.
It is an innovative 24 week programme offering local residents at risk of diabetes or cardiovascular disease a wide range of tailored physical activities to help combat the diseases. It aims to empower local people and enable them to take greater control of their own health.
Taking its name from the recommended amount of 150 minutes of exercise people should take per week, the 150Club is part of a bid to tackle high rates of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in Newham by helping people to stay healthier. The borough has the second highest predicted prevalence rate of Type 2 diabetes in England, with more than 24, 500 of residents currently diagnosed with diabetes.
This initiative, known as the Newham Community Prescription Scheme, was first piloted in a number of Newham GP practices in 2013. The lessons learned from this initiative have now been used to roll-out the Newham Community Prescription across the borough, helping reduce the risk of long-term health complications associated with diabetes, such as heart disease, stroke or kidney disease.
GPs across the borough can now refer patients aged 18 and over who are at risk of developing diabetes or cardiovascular disease to the 150Club. These patients will be supported by lifestyle advisers, who will provide them with individual support and guidance and signpost them to one of the three organisations across the borough delivering the fitness based support. Each person will receive one-to-one assessments and the advisers will track their progress to make sure the programme is as beneficial to them as possible.
West Ham United Foundation Chief Executive, Joe Lyons said: “This is all about local organisations coming together for the greater good of the borough. Between all those involved we have such an array of expertise to draw upon to really tackle the levels of diabetes in Newham.
“The West Ham United Foundation is committed to serving the people of Newham for the long-term and we’re working across a diverse and broad demographic, with the aim of creating a cohesive and resilient community. This is such an exciting project to be involved with and we’re proud to be challenging the way things are currently being done.”
Dr Shahzada Khan, a local GP and clinical lead for diabetes at NHS Newham CCG, said: “We know that increasing physical activity is one of the most important things you can do to reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The 150Club, through the Newham Community Prescription scheme, will not only give local people the opportunity to take part in activities that will help them to get fit and stay healthy, it will also offer them the support to make real, long lasting changes to their lifestyle.”
Councillor Clive Furness, Newham Council’s mayoral advisor for adults and health, added: “Diabetes is a preventable disease through people living healthier and more active lifestyles. This innovative project is a fantastic example of organisations coming together to tackle the issue and give residents the chance of taking back control of their health.
“Through this project we will be able to tailor personalised help and support for those at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. This will not only ensure our residents can live healthier lives it will also help reduce the pressure on our health services.”
Following the 24 week programme, patients will be signposted to a number of services across the borough to help them continue their healthier lifestyle ranging from walking football to tai chi classes, so that they can continue to sustain a healthy lifestyle for the long-term.