Health volunteers praised

Friday, 22 March 2013

PRESENTATION: Councillors Ashan Khan and Nadeem Ali with community health champions and community representatives

VOLUNTEERS have been awarded for giving free health advice to people living in Waltham Forest’s most deprived areas.

Waltham Forest Council celebrated the success of 17 people who give up their own time to provide guidance to residents on Monday.

Launched in autumn 2012, community health champions have promoted healthy eating, cancer screenings and smoking and alcohol awareness in five wards in the borough.

The hard work of the volunteers saw them presented with certificates at Waltham Forest Town Hall, in Forest Road, Walthamstow.

Councillor Ashan Khan, Waltham Forest Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Seeing local people so keen to make a difference in their community makes me tremendously proud.

“Waltham Forest Council will be taking responsibility for public health in April, and with increasing pressure on local authorities to make every penny count it’s going to be innovative schemes like these that help us achieve our aims when it comes to making Waltham Forest a healthier borough.”

Each person awarded has passed a course in community work, health and lifestyle choices and how organisations can benefit the community.

Volunteer Nicky Gidigbi said: “It’s been lovely to work with the local community and spread the word.

“I’m a mum, so I’ve been able to spread the word through the school and the parent-teacher association.”

For more information about the project visit www.safh.org.uk

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