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HEALTH AND WELLBEING
eastleigh.gov.uk
Our focus As a Council, we are focused on improving the quality of life of everyone living and working in the Borough, both now and in the future.
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It’s been an absolute lifeline for us.
The stories in this issue are themed around the key areas where we are making a positive difference to people’s lives.
Health and Wellbeing 2
Improving the health and wellbeing of people who live and work in the Borough and supporting and creating sustainable communities. We want all our residents and people working in the Borough to live long, healthy and happy lives.
Housing and Development 5
Creating homes and communities to meet residents’ current needs now and in the future. To help support a buoyant house market, it is essential that there is a sufficient supply of suitable, high-quality homes that can meet the diverse needs of residents both now and in the future. Building new homes and communities provides opportunities for people looking for affordable rent, or a new home to meet their changing needs.
Economy 9
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” Zach keeps his independence
Home adaptations help local family When Zach started falling over for no obvious reason and complaining of pains in his feet his mother simply put it down to growing pains. Not for one moment could she have foreseen that within a couple of years her young son would be using a wheelchair. Four years on and, despite having undergone countless tests and scans, 13-year-old Zach’s condition remains a mystery.
“It’s such a worry,” says the Wildern schoolboy’s mum, Nicki. “He’s getting progressively worse but the clinical teams cannot pinpoint the cause. The hardest thing is watching Zach deteriorate but not being able to do anything about it.” Nicki was unaware she could access Eastleigh Borough Council’s Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) scheme. It was only through a
Securing sustainable economic growth, high yet stable employment and a shared prosperity for residents, now and for generations to come. It is about ensuring every one of us has a good standard of living in strong, safe, sustainable communities.
Maintaining an attractive and sustainable environment that residents value, and which can allow residents and businesses to thrive.
Your Council
“Zach’s occupational therapist helped us fill in the forms and we were then lucky enough to qualify for a home assessment. It’s been an absolute lifeline for us,” says Nicki. Home adaptations carried out to date include the installation of entrance ramps and a stair-lift. The go-ahead has been given to convert an upstairs bathroom into a wet room and the widening of internal doorways to accommodate Zach’s wheelchair are currently being looked at. “These adaptations are helping Zack to maintain his independence which is really important for a teenage boy,” says Nicki. “He is dealing with so much, and coping so well, that it’s lovely for him to be able to have that independence at home. Nicki adds: “As Zach’s illness is progressive his needs are constantly changing; it’s really good to know there is a team at Eastleigh Borough Council who we can turn to for help as we face these ongoing challenges. We have such gratitude to all involved for the support Zach has been given.”
Find out more about DFGs and read about Zach’s story: eastleigh.gov.uk/dfg Picture above: Zach using his newly installed ramp
• Taking a person-centered approach • Ensuring people are well informed about their housing options • Providing sufficient housing stock to cope with demand
What’s on Greener Borough
conversation with Zach’s occupational therapist that Nicki was directed to the scheme.
New commitment to tackling homelessness The Council’s Cabinet recently approved the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy for the next five years. Eastleigh Borough Council is passionate about tackling health inequalities and social deprivation. It recognises that there are few things that contribute more to our residents’ wellbeing than having a secure place they can call home. Our intention is to deliver a service which is compassionate, fair and effective at helping residents at the time when they need our help the most. In summary the strategy commits to:
• Taking a preventative approach to tackling homelessness whilst supporting sustainable communities • Working in partnership with key agencies • A proactive approach to tackle rough sleeping
If you are concerned that you may become homeless, more information can be found at eastleigh.gov.uk/ homelessness or call 023 8068 8000
