Local paralympian Anne Wafula-Strike MBE endorses Harlow Health & Wellbeing Strategy

31 Jul Local paralympian Anne Wafula-Strike MBE endorses Harlow Health & Wellbeing Strategy

A new drive to encourage organisations to work together and improve the health and wellbeing of Harlow residents has been backed by local Paralympian Anne Wafula-Strike MBE.

Anne, a wheelchair racer who represented Team GB, attended last Wednesday’s (25 July) launch of the Harlow Health and Wellbeing Partnership Strategy held in the Town Park. The strategy is a 10-year plan which sets out a vision and priorities for the provision of healthy lifestyle promotion in the town.

Harlow has a bright future and is undergoing an important period of change, with the ongoing development of the Enterprise Zone and Public Health England soon to be making Harlow its home. Whilst this shows the potential the town has, more needs to be done to improve the health and wellbeing of Harlow’s residents. The ageing population, low levels of physical activity and a high rate of diabetes in the area compared to the national average are all issues that Harlow faces.

Commenting on the strategy, Anne said:

“I am grateful to those who have put in the time and commitment to creating this strategy.

“I am excited about this because it highlights several solutions under one detailed strategy geared towards creating opportunities to a healthy lifestyle. A healthy town is a happy town and I urge Harlow residents to embrace this and commit. I also appeal for more accessible venues and facilities in our town so the disabled and the elderly are not left behind.”

The new strategy aims to address these health inequalities and outlines what needs to be done to ensure that residents lead healthy and active lives.