MAKING THE CASE FOR MECC Presenter name / date

The issue The health and care system currently spends £17.9 billion treating preventable lifestyle related diseases. That’s almost a fifth of the annual budget. This could be reduced with the right prevention.

The opportunity Health, care and community staff are constantly interacting with the public (every 36 hours one million conversations occur). Most people do want to improve their health. Research shows that people welcome conversations with staff about lifestyle issues, but don’t start them. They think staff are too busy.

MAKING EVERY CONTACT COUNT The solution MAKING EVERY CONTACT COUNT

What is Making Every Contact Count (MECC)? MECC is a behaviour change approach that supports positive health and wellbeing choices, signposting the public to further information and support Every frontline contact can add up to a huge impact on population health and wellbeing in Cheshire & Merseyside

Definition of MECC “MECC is a behaviour change approach that encourages people to make positive health and wellbeing choices through individual, organisational and environmental interactions.”

Why do we need MECC? The national context The NHS spends £17.9bn a year on illnesses caused by smoking, weight and alcohol. 1 in 6 adults experience a common mental health problem in their lifetime 36% of adults don’t get their recommended weekly exercise of 150 minutes. 7.4 million people in the population smoke 21% of adults drink more than 14 units/week

Why do we need MECC? The local context <Local data to be added as appropriate>

Will this create more work for employees? No - MECC uses existing interactions between staff and the public MECC is about brief conversations, it could be as brief as 30 seconds MECC is for everyone

What are the benefits for us? Increasing employees skills and confidence To have conversations about healthy behaviours, and knowing where to signpost people for advice. Creating a culture of prevention Where employees look at improving their own health and wellbeing as well as supporting the public to improve theirs. Improve job satisfaction By empowering employees who don’t usually give advice they will feel they’re making a bigger difference.

Any questions?