24 May 2018
The St Helena community campaign – ‘Saints Together’ – was officially launched on Monday, 21 May 2018 (St Helena’s Day). This campaign will encourage and assist community members to take part in the challenge of addressing the ill health on the Island attributed to conditions such as type two diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer. These conditions are largely preventable and small changes in our daily lives such as taking a ten minute walk, or having a sugar free drink, will make a huge difference in the health of our families and in our community.
Following the opening service for the St Helena Day celebrations, held at the Grand Parade, Jamestown, Chairperson of the Public Health Committee, Councillor Derek Thomas, and Chief Secretary, Susan O’Bey, launched the campaign.
Councillor Thomas explained:
“Under our Health Promotion Strategic Framework, we are partnering with the wider community and the various parts of Government to make healthier choices easier and more attractive for us all to start doing in our daily lives. The actions involve all parts of community life: what we do at home, at work, in our shops, our businesses, as employers and employees, as parents. There are parts for all of us to play to prevent and reduce the ill health we have in our community.”
People who attended the St Helena Day celebrations were able to see the ‘Saints Together’ logo on the floats, stage, and marquees around the Grand Parade. The campaign was designed by community members who felt strongly that addressing the ill health in the St Helena community was something that can be achieved by using the great sense of community and identity as Saints. The heart was chosen as they love being Saints, love the community, and want the ‘Saints Together’ campaign to help local people feel better and be well.
In the coming months, the ‘Saints Together’ campaign will support the work to make healthy choices easier by showing people exactly what the practical opportunities and small actions that will improve their health are.
Chief Secretary, Susan O’Bey, commented:
“One of the overall aims of the St Helena Government is to promote and support the health of our people. Please work with us, put aside any doubt that these things are too hard to change, and allow time for this to happen. There will be very positive and practical opportunities for us all to take the actions needed. As a community we can do this together.”
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SHG
24 May 2018
