Council welcomes High Life Highland’s contribution to preventative health agenda

The positive contribution that High Life Highland (HLH) is making to the preventative health agenda in the Highlands was unanimously welcomed by Members of The Highland Council’s Education, Children and Adult Services Committee today (20 May).

Ian Murray, Chief Executive of High Life Highland informed Council Members of their  deliberate shift towards delivering positive health initiatives that support the preventative health agenda of local and health authorities.

Mr Murray said: “The past year has seen a real concentration on initiatives which seek to keep people active for longer in older age.  The development of partnerships with Council services and NHS Highland has been key to their success.”

He outlined major achievements in their annual performance over the last year including a large uptake in dedicated Older People’s Gentle Exercise. The results of this have seen increased shifts in membership among older people and 91% of participants reported that they had attained improved balance, co-ordination and increased strength.

Councillor Alasdair Christie, Chair of the ECAS Committee said: “The emphasis that High Life Highland has been putting into its preventative programmes and particularly the increase in older people’s activities and participation has been recognised and applauded by Council Members across the region.

“It is also very pleasing to hear that the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator in its review of High Life Highland along with 10 similar organisations across Scotland, confirmed that the contractual and governance arrangements between the Council and HLH meet the correct standards. The arm’s length external organisation model of running a leisure, sport and culture Trust is working well and is providing wider benefits than just budget savings.”

Following the decommissioning of Badaguish Outdoor Centre near Aviemore, the Council has asked High Life Highland to develop plans for a new outdoor activities service.

Councillor Christie added: “I am looking forward to hearing these proposals at a future meeting of the ECAS Committee and to hearing more about the great work that High Life Highland is achieving.”