MIKE HEDGES AM ASKS WELSH GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MANAGER FOR STATEMENT ON HEALTHY LIVING ACTIVITIES.

MIKE HEDGES AM ASKS WELSH GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MANAGER FOR STATEMENT ON HEALTHY LIVING ACTIVITIES.

Mike Hedges AM said after Business Questions ‘ I am concerned that the good work undertaken by Communities First in parts of my Constituency such a Penderry Ward is not frittered away now that the program is ceasing. I have been impressed by the work on the Health and Well Being Agenda in Penderry and other areas, I want to make sure that consideration of how this work is going to be continued is at the forefront of the Welsh Government’s mind. I note the Minister’s reply and look forward to seeing how this is going to apply in Swansea East.

Mike Hedges AM - I would like to ask for two statements. The first one—I would like a statement on the Welsh Government's proposals to improve public health, this to include the relationship between health and lifestyle. It should also include action to reduce obesity, increase exercise and improve diet, including what is being done to replace Communities First activity in this area.

Julie James AM - In terms of the public health matter, our proposals to improve public health definitely include the relationship between health and lifestyle. That includes all of the actions that the Member set out, and, in fact, it's set out in our flagship programme, 'Prosperity for All'. The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services will be setting out our aims and ambitions to promote healthier weights in a forthcoming strategy to be consulted on later this year. That will include all local health boards and partners delivering against the all-Wales obesity pathway and also working with Public Health Wales and Sport Wales to deliver national actions to increase levels of physical activity and to develop a well-being bond, which will be launched in the coming weeks. So, very timely.