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Public health services and provision

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Public Health is required to commission mandated services through the Public Health Grant (gov.uk). The Public Health Grant funds public health action to protect and improve the health of citizens. This includes funding for the specialist public health division and the mandated services.

Smoking cessation support in Peterborough

We are committed to reducing smoking and supporting residents on their journey to quit. Smoking remains one of the leading causes of preventable illness and early death. Tackling it is a key priority in improving health and reducing health inequalities. A comprehensive network of stop smoking support is available across Peterborough, ensuring residents can access help.

Smoking cessation Service through Greater Peterborough Network (GPN)

Public Health commission a dedicated smoking cessation service to support residents in quitting smoking through accessible, evidence-based interventions.
The service aims to reduce smoking-related health inequalities and ensure everyone can access high-quality behavioural and pharmacological support.

The service provides:

  • A 12‑week personal plan with tips to cope and avoid starting again
  • Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), available via the local Pharmacy Voucher Scheme
  • Guided access to vapes

The service is available to all Peterborough residents aged 13 years and over.
Appointments are offered in community venues on evenings and one Saturday each month. Information can be provided in multiple languages, easy read format, and interpreter or British Sign Language support where needed.

To sign up visit: Stop Smoking Support Service (Greater Peterborough Network)

Primary Care (GP Practices)

Many GP practices in Peterborough provide smoking cessation support directly to patients. GPs and practice nurses are equipped to:

  • Discuss smoking habits
  • Prescribe appropriate medical treatment
  • Offer behavioural interventions as part of routine care

Community pharmacies

Pharmacies across Peterborough are active partners in the delivery of smoking cessation services, offering Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) through the NRT voucher scheme

Change Grow Live (CGL)
As part of its integrated substance misuse treatment services, CGL provides tailored stop smoking support to individuals accessing help for drug and/or alcohol use. This holistic approach:

  • Supports long-term recovery
  • Addresses tobacco dependence alongside other addictions
  • Improves physical and mental health outcomes

Why it matters

These coordinated efforts are aligned with our health improvement objectives:

  • Empowering people to make healthier lifestyle choices
  • Reducing preventable illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and respiratory conditions
  • Tackling health inequalities and supporting the most vulnerable members of our community

The stop smoking offer is integrated, flexible, and designed to reach residents at every stage of their journey.

NHS health checks in Peterborough

NHS health checks are a vital Public Health programme aimed at preventing cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, stroke, and dementia. The programme identifies risk factors early and supports residents to take control of their health and wellbeing.

What is an NHS Health Check?

An NHS Health Check is a free 20-30 minute appointment for eligible adults aged 40–74. It helps detect early signs of:

  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Kidney disease
  • Dementia (for people aged 65–74)

The check includes blood pressure, BMI, cholesterol testing, and a lifestyle assessment. Individuals receive a clear picture of their health and practical advice on reducing risks through simple lifestyle changes. If needed, they will be referred to additional services such as stop smoking, weight management, or clinical care.

Who is eligible?

Adults aged 40–74 years who:

  • Have no existing diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease
  • Have not received a health check in the last 5 years

Eligible individuals are contacted directly or can request a check where available.

Where are NHS health checks delivered?

Many local GPs carry out NHS Health Checks as part of routine primary care. These practices offer:

  • Clinical risk assessment and advice
  • Referrals for ongoing care or health improvement services
  • Integration into existing medical records for follow-up

Why this matters

This programme directly supports the Council’s Health Improvement goals by:

  • Preventing serious diseases through early detection
  • Empowering residents with knowledge about their health risks
  • Connecting individuals to lifestyle services and follow-up care
  • Reducing health inequalities across Peterborough communities

It also helps reduce demand on NHS and social care services in the longer term by identifying and acting on risk factors early.

Sexual and reproductive health

We are responsible for commissioning mandated sexual and reproductive health services. This includes the provision of access to testing for sexually transmitted disease and HIV testing, but doesn’t include infertility treatment or HIV treatment and care.

We commission sexual and reproductive health services from Integrated Contraception and Sexual Health services (ICaSH), Cambridgeshire Community Services (CCS) which is an sexual health service providing access to testing and treatment and contraception.

We also fund Everyone Health to provide free condoms to 13 to 24-year-olds. 15 to 24-year-olds can also access condoms through the condom app. Everyone Health offers advice, information and dual screening to the same age group through schools and outreach.

You can also find information about sexual and reproductive health through these national websites:

Falls prevention in Peterborough

The Falls Prevention Service is a free service commissioned by Public Health Peterborough and provided by Vivacity. Falls are increasingly common in older people, sometimes leading to injuries that can cost people their independence. 

Our aim is to help prevent falls and falls related injuries. Six out of ten falls happen in the home or garden. Improving safety in the home can help prevent people having falls and injuring themselves, whilst allowing people to continue to live independently.

Visit our interactive Steady on Your Feet Home Safety checklist to help identify hazards and improve home safety.

Falls are not an inevitable part of ageing and many can be prevented. Using the Steady on Your Feet self-assessment tool outlines what is putting people at risk of falling and lists things anyone can do to help themselves stay steady, mobile and independent. The interactive risk checker will provide people with a personalised action plan  and actions to stay active.

What do we offer?

When a risk has been identified that is related to reduced strength and balance action can be taken to improve strength and balance.

  • Follow the advice given in the Steady on your Feet website.
  • Free weekly strength and balance exercise classes. 

Who can access the service

  • Any individual aged 65+ living in Peterborough or registered with a GP practice in Peterborough.
  • People over 50+ with a strength and balance issue diagnosed by a health professional, living or registered with a GP practice in Peterborough.

Where are falls groups delivered?

Vivacity delivers free Falls Prevention groups across the city. Vivacity can also link individuals into further lifestyle support services such as stop smoking, and physical activity programmes.

Why this matters

This programme directly supports the Council’s Health Improvement goals by:

  • Preventing adverse effects of falling
  • Empowering residents with knowledge about their fall risks
  • Connecting individuals to lifestyle services and follow-up care
  • Reducing health inequalities across Peterborough communities

It also helps reduce demand on NHS and social care services in the longer term by identifying and acting on risk factors early.

Referrals and further information

  • People can access the Steady on your feet website via the links above
  • Patients can be referred from their GP practice
  • GP practices and any organisation with access to the JOY app can refer to Vivacity for falls and a range of support with physical activity via the app.
  • Professional or Self-referrals via telephoning 01733 863600 leave your contact details and someone will call you back.

Drug and alcohol treatment services

We commission drug and alcohol treatment and recovery services for Peterborough. This is for all residents, individuals and families who need support and assistance. These services aim to meet needs, from education and awareness raising, harm reduction, treatment, recovery, and ongoing wellbeing support.

These services are provided by CGL Aspire. Details of the support available can be found at Aspire Recovery Service.

Health protection

Public Health provide the local link to support the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in responding to and managing situations. For example, in stopping the onward spread of an infectious disease such as tuberculosis or containing outbreaks of disease. We support the local authority in preparing for major incidents such as pandemics.

Mental health and suicide prevention

Public Health plays a vital role in helping everyone live well and feel supported. We focus on prevention, early help, and reducing inequalities so that all our residents can cope with life’s ups and downs, build positive relationships, and feel able to contribute to their local community. We also work to tackle loneliness and isolation, recognising how important social connection is for good mental health. We support campaigns that break down stigma and encourage open conversations, so people feel safe to talk about their mental health and get the help they need.

Mental Health and suicide prevention

Public Health leads work across Peterborough and Cambridgeshire to stop suicide and save lives. We work closely with local partners to put our suicide prevention strategy into action, making sure support is available, stigma is reduced, and people know where to turn when they need help. We work with partners across Peterborough and Cambridgeshire to support suicide prevention and self‑harm awareness. Our role is to provide leadership and coordination, not to deliver services directly.

Together with local organisations, we help make community‑wide initiatives possible. Examples include:

  • STOP Suicide programme which gives information and offers training to help people recognise when someone may be at risk of a mental health crisis and how to respond.
  • Bereavement support, delivered by partners to help families and individuals cope with loss.
  • Training and campaigns on suicide prevention and self‑harm, which raise awareness, reduce stigma, and give people the skills to support others.

By working across the system, we aim to reduce loneliness and isolation, strengthen community connections, and make sure everyone knows where to find support when they need it.

Children and young persons public health

Public Health oversees holistic community services available to mothers, babies, children and young people to supporting optimal health and wellbeing from conception to through to adulthood of Peterborough residents. Public Health work closely with partners across the local and regional system towards shared objectives.

Further to the Health and wellbeing Board Priority 1: Ensure our children are ready to enter education and exit, prepare for the next phase of their lives - our Commissioned Services are: 

This service is for all families with children aged 0 to 19 years living in Peterborough. No referral is needed to access this service. The team is made up of a variety of NHS staff with specific training and qualifications to support the health needs of children, young people and families in the community.

For more information, visit Healthy Child Programme (CPCH.nhs)

The Healthy Schools Network and Support Service helps schools to build resilience among their children and young people to maximise their health and wellbeing so they can reach their full potential.

Visit the health schools website for more information.

Centre 33 offer a service to young people in Peterborough aged 13-25 years who may need help with:

  • Housing
  • Sexual health (including STI testing, free condoms, and C-Card)
  • Mental health and emotional wellbeing
  • Pregnancy testing
  • Money worries
  • Food bank vouchers
  • Job seeking, training, education,
  • Or anything else that’s on your mind, you’re always welcome at our drop-in

The services are free, and you don’t need an appointment - just come in during our opening hours. Sometimes there may be a short wait before someone can see you, but we’ll always do our best to help you.

Visit the Centre 33 website for more information.

Each year in England, school children in Reception and Year 6 have their height and weight checked at school. This is called the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP).

Find out more on the Healthy You website.

Maximus provide a range of universal and targeted services to support families with active lifestyles.

Visit the Maximus website for more information about weight management.

Public Health provide support through partnering with local schools, county councils and community organisations.

Through this work the mental health of children and young people is supported in three ways:

  • Offer 1-1 and group therapy for children and young people
  • Offer training and supervision to professionals
  • Offer webinars and support to parents and carers

Visit the Nessie website for more details.

Last updated: 09 December 2025