Deprived areas in Bognor to get help to live longer

The individuals have called upon the town's three health trainers for assistance.

They have wanted guidance about matters such as quitting smoking, losing weight, reducing drinking and improving their diet. The trainers, led by Claire Pearce, hope many more people will follow the example of their initial clients since the start of this year.

Claire said the assistance was aimed at people who lived in the deprived areas of Pevensey, Orchard, Marine and Hotham around Bognor and in Bersted. Statistics showed they were likely to die younger than residents of more affluent neighbourhoods.

"Our role is to meet people on a one-to-one basis," she said. "We prefer it if people refer themselves to us, rather than be referred, because it means they want to help themselves.

"We can help them live longer and prevent illness in later life by talking to them about healthier lifestyle choices. That can include stopping smoking or losing weight."

The trainers are based at the Bognor Youth and Community Centre in Westloats Lane. They will be present at an Activ8 session there between 1-3pm on Wednesday, February 25.

They will be moving to newly-created community facilities in Bersted Green Court in Durlston Drive in April. Their work is funded by the West Sussex NHS Primary Care Trust through the Council for Voluntary Service '“ Arunwide.

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