Happy Healthy Living newsletter for Weymouth and Portland

Retired music teacher and civil servant John Hewitt has spearheaded the initiative, working with the Primary Care Network (PCN) for Weymouth and Portland to create the Happy Healthy Living newsletter.

It will be be included on the websites of every medical practice in Weymouth and Portland as well as the Weymouth and PCN website.

Mr Hewitt, of Weymouth, said: “The idea for the newsletter came about through me reading articles in the national papers about pre-empting people having conditions by looking after themselves a bit more. 

“There’s a lot of problems out there with mental health and we want to try and help people stay informed.

“The newsletter will be included on the websites of every medical practice in Weymouth and Portland as well as the Weymouth and PCN website, and patients may be messaged to direct their attention to it. 

“These websites and the associated Facebook sites are a valuable source of information about local services and sources of support.”

Mr Hewitt, 79, who is also the chairman of the Patient Participation Group of Weymouth Bay Medical Practice, said feedback from the newsletter received so far has been positive. 

“We’ve had some good feedback from it and it does bring some satisfaction knowing we’re helping people. It’s really about getting people talking.”

The newsletter runs alongside the work of the friendly food club, and patient-led cost effective healthy cooking courses, throughout Weymouth and Portland.

The Weymouth and Portland PCN builds on existing primary care services, and enables co-ordinated and more integrated health and social care, for people close to home.

Dr. Laura Godfrey, PCN clinical director, said, “Weymouth and Portland PCN are very pleased to support in the development of this newsletter – and it provides a great opportunity to encourage people to have discussions with their family, friends and neighbours about living healthier, happier lives.

“The topics covered will support people to have a better understanding of actions they can take to help to reduce the likelihood of developing long term conditions.”