A pilot programme set up to improve the health and wellbeing of east end residents has seen 240 referrals since its launch in June last year. 

The Live Well Community Referral (LWCR) initiative, established by Glasgow Life in Calton, aims to support people living in the poorest communities by helping them to lead better lives. 

In April the programme, which encourages people to join community clubs, become more active and make new friends, was expanded to Shettleston and Tollcross. 

READ NEXT: 'Holding pay rise to ransom': Scottish Water slammed by striking staff 

A pilot programme set up to improve the health and wellbeing of east end residents has seen 240 referrals since its launch in June last year. 

The Live Well Community Referral (LWCR) initiative, established by Glasgow Life in Calton, aims to support people living in the poorest communities by helping them to lead better lives. 

In April the programme, which encourages people to join community clubs, become more active and make new friends, was expanded to Shettleston and Tollcross. 

The pilot focussed on the areas in and around the Calton ward that experience high levels of deprivation and offered a free service designed to assist people with a wide range of social, emotional or practical needs. 

It also helped people whose health and wellbeing would benefit from cultural and sports activities. 

Referrals to the programme were made by GP practices, Glasgow Helps as well as Police Scotland, but participants can also self-refer, which accounted for almost 50 per cent of the total number of referrals received. 

A document, which is being presented to members of the wellbeing and equalities committee, shows that the main reasons for these referrals include to increase physical activity, connect with the community and to improve low mood and mental wellbeing. 

Data shows that 71 per cent of the participants were women 

The report states: “Whilst there has been significant investment towards improving the health of Glasgow citizens in recent years, comparatively the city has one of the poorest health profiles of any Scottish or UK city. 

“The Glasgow Centre for Population Health reports that male life expectancy in the most deprived areas of the city is 15 years shorter than in the least deprived; the equivalent figure for women is 12 years. 

“The rate of prescriptions and psychiatric evaluations associated with mental ill health is higher in Glasgow than the national average, and there is extensive inequality in the experience of mental health outcomes associated with, amongst other factors, socio-economic status.”