'Healthier fleetwood': Creating healthier communities via improved social networking in a disadvantaged area of the UK

Abstract

Reducing the prevalence of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases is an urgent clinical priority for the UK and other countries. Achieving improved social networking among isolated people with long-term health needs has been shown to build confidence and self-efficacy, leading to improved health and other outcomes, improved service delivery and to reduce healthcare costs. This article describes the 'Healthier Fleetwood' initiative which uses social networking to increase physical activity and improve diet, which are key to preventing the onset of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases.