Blaenau Gwent Council was delighted to welcome the Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Professor Isabel Oliver, to the county this week, providing an opportunity to showcase how Blaenau Gwent is leading the way in innovative approaches to improving health, wellbeing and access to employment.
Through Trailblazer funding, Blaenau Gwent is one of only three local authorities in Wales selected to pilot new, preventative approaches to supporting people who are economically inactive. The focus of this work is on improving health and wellbeing as a foundation for building confidence, resilience and routes into work. Blaenau Gwent Council is proud to be leading, supporting and investing in these initiatives, working closely with partners to deliver real impact for local communities.
During her visit, Professor Oliver heard about local priorities to improve population health and had the opportunity to visit the Trailblazer Activate Project, an innovative programme with Aneurin Leisure. The project supports residents to build confidence, try new activities and take positive steps towards healthier lifestyles. Professor Oliver observed sessions in action and spoke directly with participants and staff, gaining first-hand insight into how the programme is making a meaningful difference to people’s lives.
The visit concluded with time spent with the Happy Healthy Blaenau Gwent team, a further Trailblazer-funded initiative. Colleagues from Blaenau Gwent Arts, Adult Social Services and Pathways showcased the breadth of wellbeing activity taking place across the county, highlighting the strength of partnership working and the collective commitment to improving outcomes for residents.
Councillor John Morgan, Cabinet Member for Economy and Place said:
“As a Marmot council and working with communities through the Blaenau Gwent Deal, we are aiming reduce health inequalities in the borough and help people to live longer, healthier lives. Trailblazer is supporting people with health conditions and well-being barriers to see a potential way back into the workplace or training, and it was great to share the good work that is happening with the Chief Medical Officer during her visit to Blaenau Gwent.”
The UK Government’s Trailblazer programme supports people who are not working due to long‑term health conditions or complex barriers, to try and help them back into the workplace. Blaenau Gwent was one of three Welsh areas chosen to pilot the scheme.
