PARALYMPIC gold medallist Megan Giglia helped launch a new health initiative this week.

'One You Cheshire East' brings lifestyle and health advice services in the borough under one support system umbrella.

It focuses on early intervention to help residents live well for longer, by supporting them to drink less alcohol, eat well, lose weight, move more and be smoke free.

The integrated system has already been launched to stakeholders and will be officially launched to the public at an event at Crewe Lifestyle Centre on Monday, March 13, from 11am to 2pm.

During the day there was a 1km static bike challenge, the opportunity to win a Garmin fitness tracker, healthy eating cookery demonstrations and samples, demonstrations of health apps, a smoothie bike activity and the opportunity to sign up to services on the day/

British Paralympic track cyclist Megan Giglia MBE, who won Britain's first gold medal at the Rio Paralympics in 2016, also attended and signed autographs.

Megan, a Congleton Cycle Club member, who now lives in Stockport, was honoured by Cheshire East Council last year by being given the freedom of the borough.

Cllr Paul Bates, cabinet member for communities and health at Cheshire East Council, said: “One You Cheshire East supports residents to take control of their health and address the everyday habits and behaviours that could lead to problems further down the line.

“The help and advice is provided in a way that works best for the individual but by bringing that support under one umbrella. It also increases cost-effectiveness.”

Residents can access One You Cheshire East services via self-referral or referrals from a health or social care professional. Support includes a dedicated website and lifestyle support staff.

Following the public launch of One You Cheshire East, roadshows will take place across the borough, targeting the areas where there is the most need.

There will also be One You Cheshire East activities at the lifestyle centre on Saturday, March 18.

Cllr Bates added: “I’m pleased that many of our residents are already taking advantage of the wealth of help and information available to them through One You Cheshire East but I’d like to encourage more residents to do the same and I urge them to attend the launch to find out more.”

The One You Cheshire East support to stop smoking is being delivered by a number of community providers – Well Pharmacies, Rowland Pharmacies, Healthbox and Wirral Community Trust – while specialist stop smoking services for clients in hospital settings, pregnant women and people with mental health issues is provided by Kickstart.

Everybody Sport and Recreation, the trust that manages the council’s leisure centres, is delivering the programmes to help residents eat well, lose weight and move more.

While the services have access criteria, information is still available to help those not eligible, such as through the dedicated website.

The One You Cheshire East website can be found at oneyoucheshireeast.org