Barnet Council is inviting people to give their views on how the local authority can help people to live healthier and more active lives.

The council is holding The Health and Wellbeing Consultation until July 20 to gauge people’s opinions on whether their current proposals are right for residents.

The consultation is designed to allow people to express their views on a draft three year strategy called Keeping Well, Keeping Independent.

This strategy is intended to give more people of all ages the opportunity to live healthy lives and to avoid preventable illnesses.

It has been developed by the Health and Wellbeing Board which includes representatives from Barnet Council, the NHS and Barnet LINK.

The consultation will ask people for their views on various elements of the strategy including the ways in which the council can work with the community to give every child the best start in life.

It also asks how best to promote well being in the community and to encourage residents to adopt healthier lifestyles.

Finally, it addresses the issue of how to help people who have been unwell to get back on their feet.

Councillor Helena Hart, cabinet member for public health, said: “We all believe that prevention is far better than cure and that everyone should do everything they can to prevent avoidable illness and disease.

“This is why the council is looking to do all it can to support more people of all ages to lead healthy and active lives.

“We can only do this if we work together and share the responsibility for local residents’ health and wellbeing between public services and residents themselves.

“I would therefore encourage as many people as possible to participate in this consultation and really tell us what they think in order to ensure that the council can play its proper role.”

People and organisations can give their views by completing questionnaires which will help the council decide how the strategy should be focused.

To share your views visit http://engage.barnet.gov.uk, or pick up a printed copy of the questionnaire from libraries or council buildings.

Alternatively you can send you views in a letter to: Strategic Commissioning Team, Adult Social Care and Health, Building 4, North London Business Park, Oakleigh Road South, London, N11 1NP.

The council will also being carrying out events with schools, local businesses and disability and community groups to gather as many people’s views as possible.