Sports and Leisure Management (SLM) – the company behind Everyone Active – has won the first two contracts under its new public health division Everyone Health, designed to provide evidence-based preventative and treatment services for local authorities and Clinical Commissioning Groups.

The move comes in response to the NHS structural changes which placed public health responsibility in the hands of local authorities from April 2013, with SLM aligning itself with the goals of the Health and Social Care Act (2013) to help people live better, for longer.

SLM hopes its 25 years’ experience as a leisure operator will give the new venture a flying start, as it works to deliver the solutions in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines and best practice.

“With the changes in the structure of the NHS and the inequalities in health around the country, it seemed a natural progression to use our expertise in delivering effective healthcare solutions to develop our new health service provision,” said Stephen Hulme, chief executive of SLM.

The two contracts are both for West Lindsey District Council in Lincolnshire, delivering programmes that encourage the local population to improve levels of physical activity and healthy eating. The Exercise Referral scheme will provide specialist exercise and physical activity advice for those who are sedentary and have a defined medical condition. In addition, a specialist child weight management programme will be provided for children and their families to help tackle childhood obesity.

Everyone Health will be headed up by Annie Holden, who has a background in strategic and operational management of health businesses up to a European level.

“We are taking a systematic approach to the challenge ahead, reframing our direction on the provision of high quality public health services to ensure we address the inverse care law and reduce health inequalities,” said Holden.

“Our bespoke services will engage and empower communities, their families and individuals in improving their health by focusing on co-designed, innovative solutions.”