In 2004, ‘Choosing Health’ the public health white paper gave a commitment that from 2006 NHS Health Trainers would be providing advice, motivation and practical support to individuals within their local communities.
What are Health Trainers?
Health Trainers reach out to people who are in circumstances that put them at a greater risk of poor health. They work with people to assess their health and lifestyle risks, helping them to build their motivation to change. They facilitate behavioural change and provide motivation and practical support to individuals.
What are the aims of Health Trainers?
Health Trainers are trained to City and Guilds accreditation; their key aim is to reduce health inequalities. They also enable people to access sources of help and support. The service is free and they can take self referrals; referrals from other agencies and primary care.
The Lincolnshire Health Trainer Programme
The Lincolnshire Health Trainer programme has 26 Health Trainers in post, most are full time, and some are part time. They have responsibility for specific areas of deprivation, as identified in the Lincolnshire Local Area Agreement. They are hosted and managed by local authorities and the voluntary sector, and are funded by NHS Lincolnshire.
The Core Health Trainers in Lincolnshire are community based, they work one-to-one with members of the public to help them make a health based behavioural change.
What can Health Trainers help with?
Health Trainers can help with:
- Healthy Eating
- Fitness
- Stress/ anxiety reduction
- Improving confidence
- Giving up smoking
- Reducing drug/alcohol consumption
- Safer sex guidance
What will Health Trainers do?
Health Trainers will:
- Plan a programme to suit the individual's needs
- Help them to stay on track
- Signpost to other services
- Meet at a convenient time and location
If you know someone who wants to improve their lifestyle then an NHS Health trainer may be able to help.
The service is available to anyone over the age of 16 years.