The Health Improvement Commission has been working closely with Rebecca Silk and the team at St Martins Community Centre to make the site a more supportive environment for healthier living — helping people make positive choices in their everyday lives.
This partnership is part of the Commission’s wider mission to create environments that make healthy behaviours easier and more accessible.
At St Martins Community Centre, this has included:
· Introducing a smoke and vape-free site policy, supporting tobacco harm reduction and protecting the health of all who use the centre.
· Improving active travel options, with convenient bike parking and newly mapped walking routes around the parish to encourage movement and connection with nature.
· Supporting healthy eating, through cookery projects for young people and valuable use of the kitchen space for St Martins Primary School.
· Promoting social connection and wellbeing, with inclusive activities like Singing for the Brain with Alzheimer’s Society, toddler groups, and access to green space for play, relaxation, and community enjoyment.
The work at St Martin’s Community Centre also reflects a commitment to reducing health inequalities. By embedding health-promoting features into a space that serves a wide range of people — including families, older adults, and young people — the centre helps ensure that everyone has the same access and opportunity for healthier behaviours, regardless of background or circumstance.
The Commission continues to work with community partners across the island to build healthier spaces and support long-term behaviour change. If you're a community venue interested in making your space more supportive of health and wellbeing — whether through smoke-free policies, active travel, or other initiatives — we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch to explore how we can collaborate. For more information email lucy.cave@healthimprovement.gg