Public Health: Activities

Engagement & Campaigns

Successfully planned and implemented public health campaigns have been shown to be effective and conducive towards changing ‘risky' lifestyle behaviour (behaviour change) or public perceptions.

This may include changing attitudes and motivations e.g. through messages around smoking and its effects on health and financial gain from quitting, or awareness around the signs and symptoms related to cancers to encourage early GP presentation. Other techniques include influencing social norms and reducing stigma e.g. perceptions of public acceptance of breastfeeding and blood borne viruses and their transmission routes, such as HIV/AIDS.

The Public Health Division will continue to tailor messages and communications channels to provide the best fit for each individual audience. This will include looking at digital and social media as well as traditional media.

We will, whenever possible, work in partnership with NHS Western Isles colleagues, Scottish Government, NHS Health Scotland, Western Isles Integrated Joint Board, Community Planning Partnership, the local community and voluntary sectors, academic sector, business sector and other relevant groupings to develop and implement our local public health campaigns.

Engagement

Engagement refers to giving people the opportunity to shape and influence the commissioning and delivery of healthcare in their local area. It is vital to ensure that local people’s voices are heard and their thoughts are taken into consideration i.e. “no decision about me, without me”.

To view the full list of current engagement opportunities please visit NHS Western Isles website ‘Get Involved‘ section.