The Royal Society for Public Health

Level 1 Award in Health Awareness

In keeping with government thinking this award provides basic awareness of health and lifestyle choices affecting personal and public health The four learning outcomes give holders of this qualification an awareness, knowledge and understanding of health, the effect of lifestyle choices and empowerment to take action to improve longevity and quality of life. It also provides understanding of the contribution of work and collaborative action to manage and improve health. In this way, learners will be enabled to actively contribute towards more effective health service provision. It provides grounding for those seeking to improve their employability. With the intention to encourage active learning the course is tailored to ensure local relevance and delivered in such a way as to make the learning meaningful for them personally, in their work life and wider community. This award reflects the Department of Health's strategic thinking on health and inclusivity for all. Valuable as a free-standing qualification for everyone, it is especially appropriate:

* In the workplace setting as an introduction to health awareness where it would be appropriate as a 'core value' unit on which to build skills and knowledge in a wide variety of occupational settings:
o Especially health and social care, including for those preparing for careers in these sectors or as a foundation for those in support roles to professionals
o Education
o Public services
o Corporate settings
* As a part of health and lifestyle education for young people, through schools and colleges, and for those starting out in independent living
* As part of the preparation for those active in Local Involvement Networks (LINKS) and Patient and Public Involvement groups
* As underpinning learning for individuals accessing NHS Life Check

This award provides a foundation for further learning. Successful candidates may progress to other health awards such as the RSPH Level 2 Awards in Understanding Health Improvement, and Healthier Foods and Special Diets, or broaden their knowledge in specific areas eg. the WiPP Self Care Skills Training and The Expert Patient Programme. The award complements other national awards and initiatives promoting workplace wellness and healthy living.

Health Awareness Award Content

The meaning of 'health'
'Health and wellbeing': The part played by health in adding years to life and quality of life to those years, for all.
The different concepts of 'Health': The concepts of 'Health'; positive health (encompassing physical, mental and social wellbeing) and ill health. The differences between positive/holistic health and disease and illness focused models.
Basic human needs: Breathing, food, water, sex, sleep, safety and security.
Basic principles of public health
The differences between individual and population health and wellbeing: Personal, individual health and the contribution of individuals to the wider health of an inclusive community.
Basic information used in public health: Life expectancy, illness and disability rates, their use in understanding and action to improve the population's health and wellbeing.
Health protection measures to reduce transmission of infection: The contribution of individuals in their personal and work capacity to reduce transmission of infection by correct hand washing and disposal of contaminated handkerchiefs. Role of vaccination and immunisation programmes and campaigns.

Lifestyle choices affecting personal health and wellbeing
The benefits of a healthy lifestyle: Increasing life expectancy and quality of life by maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risks of preventable injury, disease and illness (embracing sexual health, and screening) and including Department of Health recommendations for health, examples and use of IT resources to access information, health and lifestyle assessment eg Lifecheck (early years, teen and midlife). Cultural factors in lifestyle choices.
Physical activity: The contribution to health of physical activity/inactivity.
Balanced diet: The contribution to health of a balanced diet and food choices.
Substance misuse: Lifestyle choices and risks of substance misuse, smoking, alcohol and other substances.
Role of work: The contribution of work (all productive contribution to society - paid, voluntary etc) to health and wellbeing and its part in maintaining health, promoting mental wellbeing, personal esteem, dignity and respect. The wider contribution of the workplace to preventative disease and illness including exposure to sun, protective clothing, road safety.

Managing personal health collaboratively with health services.
Active participation in managing health: Empowerment, self- care and care of others
Collaboration with health service providers: Partnership working and influencing health provision.

Assessment

This award is assessed by a multiple-choice examination consisting of one examination paper of 20 multiple choice questions to be answered in 45 minutes. Results grades are awarded as Pass or Fail. To attain a pass, candidates must achieve 13 correct answers out of 20 (65%).

Course
This course may be delivered as a full day programme or delivered over two half days

Whatever the size of project, I would be very happy to discuss it further without obligation, please email me through the contacts page and we can arrange a telephone call.

Call Diana Moss
Mobile: 0789 454 1158
I look forward to hearing from you

Diana Moss