Why is Shropshire Council consulting on the development of a healthy weight strategy?

Shropshire Council recognises that there is a need for a healthy weight strategy. Reducing obesity is a priority for Shropshire’s Integrated Care System (ICS) and Health & Wellbeing Board, and the Covid pandemic has highlighted the importance of healthy weight to physical and mental health and wellbeing. The final strategy will describe local priorities for action, and we're seeking the views of residents and those who support their health and wellbeing in Shropshire, so that the strategy can reflect those local priorities and needs.

What engagement work is planned?

The consultation process starts with two versions of a short survey. This will run for eight weeks and will help inform the draft strategy. Further consultation on the draft strategy will then take place.

• Stage 1 (eight weeks) - we'll seek the views of local people, and the staff and organisations who support their health and wellbeing, through short surveys to understand what helps and doesn’t help in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight
• Stage 2 (eight weeks) – we'll provide a copy of the draft strategy and ask for feedback on it. We can then make any amendments prior to final agreement and sign off

When will the first stage engagement close?

The first stage will run for eight weeks, opening on 5 September 2022 and closing on the 31 October 2022. We'll update this information with the dates for the second stage engagement. This will be a more formal consultation on the draft strategy document, and is expected to start early 2023.

Which methods of engagement are being used?

Within the consultation period a mixed method of engagement will be used to obtain as much feedback as possible. Engagement opportunities include:

• Feedback surveys for:
  • Members of the public, local groups and organisations
  • Stakeholders including those whose role involves promoting and supporting health and wellbeing, including staff, volunteers, and elected members
• Email and postal feedback options for more detailed comments

How can I get involved?

You can complete a short survey. It should take you approximately 15 minutes to complete depending on how many comments you make.

Find the surveys and select the one most relevant to you here via the 'How to get involved' tab on this page.

You can access the online survey, or request a printed copy, including large print version, at your local library

Throughout the consultation we'll be promoting feedback opportunities through Shropshire Council’s website, social media channels and articles within local newsletters and other publications.

How will the feedback be used?

Your feedback will be used to inform Shropshire’s healthy weight strategy. The draft strategy document will be made available for further consultation before being presented to the Health & Wellbeing Board in 2023.

When will the results of the consultation be available?

The results of the consultation will inform the draft strategy, and further consultation will take place on this. The results of this second stage consultation and the final strategy will be made to the Health & Wellbeing Board in 2023.  

What other evidence will be used to inform the new strategy?

Alongside the feedback from local engagement, we also use a wide range of evidence such as feedback from previous engagement and consultation, national research and guidance, local data, and good practice from other areas. This information, added to the feedback obtained through the consultation, will help to inform the new strategy.

Who will be involved and consulted on the development of the strategy?

We'll be working to engage as widely as possible to obtain a diverse range of views. We'll also take steps to ensure that the following stakeholder groups are made aware of how they can participate in the consultation:

• Members of the public
• Voluntary and community sector organisations (including social enterprise)
• Local partnerships
• Public sector bodies
• Town and parish councils
• Shropshire Council elected members, officers and volunteers
• And more….

To find out more please email TellUs@shropshire.gov.uk

You can also provide feedback by email. Please title your email ‘Healthy Weight Strategy’ and email: TellUs@shropshire.gov.uk

You can also provide any comments by writing to:

Healthy Weight Strategy Consultation, Tell Us, Feedback and Insight, Shropshire Council, Shirehall, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY2 6ND