About Pilton Community Health Project
Health – what is it?
Health is affected by everyday life and is as much about the quality of your emotional and social situation as about your experience of disease or disability.
Local people have said that being healthy can be characterised as follows:
Feeling vital and full of energy
Having positive self esteem
Having a sense of purpose in life
Feeling connected to the community
Having the ability to enjoy things
Having good social relationships
Local people have said they want action taken to tackle:
high levels of stress
the causes of ill health, like poverty and poor housing
better access to health services and information on health issues
the isolation and loneliness experienced by older people
support for healthier ways of living and a healthier environment
support after a loss of bereavement
being able to access healthy food and support for healthier eating
The health project works to these objectives that were drawn up in ‘Our health matters’ a local health action plan that was completed after a major community consultation in 2000. The health plan is updated regularly- see the most recent update.
How do we tackle the causes of ill health?
We work using a ‘community development’ approach. This means we want to work with local people, rather than tell them what to do. A community development approach is a process that includes:
promoting learning, knowledge, skills, confidence and the ability to act collectively
taking positive action to address inequalities in power, access and participation
strengthening organisation, networking and leadership with and between communities
working for change through increased local democracy, participation and involvement in public affairs
We are funded by
NHS Lothian, Community Regeneration Fund, City of Edinburgh Council, Volant Trust, Scottish Executive, Paths to Health, Choose Life.
Pilton Community Health Project is a registered Scottish Charity,
No. SCO18460
