Salford Health Improvement Service: Two decades of dedication to community health

The Salford Health Improvement Service (HIS) celebrates two decades of commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of the Salford community. Since its inception in 2004, HIS has launched numerous innovative programs and initiatives, establishing itself as a cornerstone of public health in the region.

2004 – The beginning

The creation of HIS marked a new era in community health. Key achievements included:

• Establishing healthy eating, cooking, physical activity, and social support schemes.
• Forming Health Action Partnerships in every neighbourhood.
• Securing funding for outdoor gyms and community orchards.
• Supporting over 100 small, independent community groups and initiatives.

2011 – Transition and expansion

In 2011, HIS transitioned from the NHS to Salford City Council, merging with the Stop Smoking and Family Weight Management services. Achievements included:

• Delivering over 8,000 NHS Health Checks to prevent strokes and cardiovascular diseases.
• Supporting nurseries to achieve the We Are Clean Infection Prevention Award.
• Establishing Refugee Volleyball and Football teams and delivering chlamydia screening to 600 young people.

2012 – Innovation and outreach

From 2012 onwards, HIS began income-generating activities and further outreach work:

• Delivered the GM Stop Smoking Bus initiative.
• Launched the Salford Health Bus for health protection campaigns.
• Supported 600 families through the Babies First Foods program.
• Engaged over 250 residents in the Keeping Well (Self Care) program.
• Launched the Red Pepper Family Weight Management program, supporting 1,300 families.

2014 to 2020 – Continued growth

• In 2014, HIS won a Royal Society of Public Health award and established the Community Samba Drumming Group.
• In 2015, HIS launched the Dancing with Dementia project, joined the National Diabetes Prevention program, and started the Social Prescribing scheme with GP practices.
• From 2016 to 2020, HIS expanded services, including mobile phlebotomy and NHS Health Checks for Warrington.
• HIS launched Snow Patrol, providing welfare visits to vulnerable older people in winter.
• In 2020, HIS provided extensive humanitarian support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021 to present – Sustained impact

• HIS coordinated the Holiday Food and Activity program, supported hospital discharge efforts, and secured additional investment for the Workplace Health and Wellbeing program.
• The service enabled over 6,000 people annually to achieve health and wellbeing goals, helped 1,200 people quit smoking each year, and delivered cookery skills workshops to over 2,000 children annually.

Looking ahead

HIS remains committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of the Salford community, adapting to the evolving needs of residents and ensuring Salford remains a healthy and vibrant place to live.