Members of the public are being encouraged to play a part in improving people's health and wellbeing in their local communities.

A new project, called Healthy Communities and Ageing Well, will start in Fakenham this month.

It is planned to be run eventually in all Norfolk's towns and Norwich with nine towns and one village targeted by the end of this year.

These are: Fakenham, Cromer, Diss, Wymondham, North Walsham, Hunstanton, Hemsby, Downham Market, Great Yarmouth and King's Lynn.

These places have been targeted after being identified as having the greatest overall health need.

Healthy Communities and Ageing Well is being led by the public health department at Norfolk County Council which offers advice, support and resources to local people so they can work together to give everyone in their community the best chances of living well and longer.

People who join their local Healthy Communities Action Group can:

Have their say in shaping local health and wellbeing activities.;Tackle health issues that matter most in their community;

Get involved in volunteering, training and support;

People can find out more information about the project in Fakenham by attending engagement events at First Focus on Cattle Market Street on July 18 and July 25 from 10am until 2pm.

Each session will be covering different themes and issues so people are encouraged to go along to both. Events in other locations are still to be arranged. Dan Roper, cabinet member for public protection including public health at Norfolk County Council, said: 'People who are active and involved in their communities tend to be both happier and healthier – and we need local people's knowledge, skills and life experience to help make positive changes in the Fakenham area.

'Local people are the experts when it comes to pinpointing the health issues that matter most in their community and helping to decide what kinds of activities will really help to make a difference.

'Healthy Communities and Ageing Well is all about giving communities the support they need to make this happen.'

Supported and funded by the Public Health and Norfolk Health and Wellbeing Board, Healthy Communities is governed by a multi-stakeholder steering group.

Each community will also have its own Healthy Communities Action Group to make local decisions.

To book a place at the Fakenham community engagement events, contact Carol Doherty on 07881 472201 or Denys Ngu 07557 587911. Lunch will be provided.