ABSTRACT
As a result of discussions which took place during the early 1980s, it was decided to establish a demonstration programme in Wales with the aim of reducing the incidence of cardio–vascular disease in that country. At that time Wales had among the highest figures of mortality and morbidity due to cardio-vascular disease in the world. With a population of some three million, its own language and identity, the challenge to reduce the incidence of cardio-vascular disease amongst the general population was not an insignificant one. The Welsh Heart Programme or as it came to be known Heartbeat Wales, was established on 1 March 1985 for a five year period. This chapter describes the background to the programme and its activities especially those directed at young people. The activities of the programme were broadly based and centred upon seven headings, these included school based curriculum developments, policy development, educational programmes involving parents in the home, the use of other networks such as youth clubs and youth organizations, and attention to the macro environment.
The chapter then describes the creation of the Health Promotion Authority for Wales, which has, as one of its main programmes the Welsh Heart Programme. The article also looks at the significance of the new national curriculum which is intended to be implemented in the near future. An outline is provided of some of the proposed future activities and the point is made repeatedly of the close co–operation and communication that exists between the central organization, namely the Health Promotion Authority for Wales and the regional statutory organizations, namely the county councils and the district health authorities. Close co–operation is also occurring between the Health Education Authority in London and the Health Promotion Authority for Wales. Future proposed activities are described briefly and it is hoped that the reader will gain an impression of the current levels of activity in health education and health promotion that are occurring in a variety of different settings throughout the Principality of Wales.
