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For several years now, the Local Government Programme at NHS Health Scotland has exhibited at the annual COSLA (Convention of Scottish Local Authorities)(external link) and Improvement Service (external link) Conference, which brings together senior local government representatives (including Chief Executives, Council Leaders & senior elected members) and other key public sector leaders.

Read about NHS Health Scotland's experience at the 2012 COSLA Conference

At the February event, NHS Health Scotland supported the 'Tackling Health Inequalities and Improving Health' category of the COSLA Excellence Awards. This Award recognises work that aims to tackle health inequalities and improve health through community engagement, effective partnership working and innovative practice, particularly in the context of Equally Well.

This year’s Gold Award winner, presented by our Chair Margaret Burns CBE, was Strathclyde Police and South Lanarkshire Council’s ‘Move the goal posts’ initiative. (external link). Move the Goalposts (MTGP) is a multi-partnership education and diversionary initiative targeting ‘hot spot’ areas throughout South Lanarkshire utilising football as a ‘tool’ to divert young people with ‘chaotic lifestyles’ aged between 12-25 years from gang participation, acts of violence, antisocial behaviour, alcohol and drug misuse whilst encouraging young people, parents and residents to help create an improved sense of wellbeing in their communities.

The Silver Award Winner was Fife Constabulary – Fife Alcohol Diversion Scheme
(external link). The Scottish Alcohol Needs Assessment 2009 revealed that 31% of Fife’s adult population drink harmfully or hazardously, this equates to 94,065. This figure is more than the capacity at T in the Park and almost doubles the capacity at Hampden Stadium. The Scottish Health Survey 2010 showed that excessive weekly alcohol consumption, and the prevalence of drunkenness was highest in both men and women aged 16-25. The volume of alcohol consumed by this age group is far higher than in England, men aged 25-34 also have similar rates of binge drinking (of 8 units and above).

The Glasgow City Council – Long Term Conditions & Macmillan project
(external link) were presented with COSLA Chair's award in recognition of the fact the project is an excellent example of key partners across the public and voluntary sector coming together to tackle the health inequalities in Glasgow to make a real difference in improving the overall health and well-being of our customers.

• Read more about the COSLA Excellence Awards and view all the videos from the winning categories (external link).

Reviewed 02 April 2012