PLANS are taking shape to "get to the heart" of an Eden Valley town's health this year.

The mental health of young people and their parents looks set to be a major focus of the project, which is being overseen by Healthwatch Cumbria - the independent body set up to champion patients' views and improve services, health and wellbeing.

Improving stroke awareness among residents will also come under the spotlight this May, to coincide with Make May Purple, the Stroke Association's annual stroke awareness month.

Appleby town councillor Gareth Hayes has been appointed the town council's Healthwatch ambassador.

He told the Gazette he was excited about the project and how it could build on the great work already been done by townsfolk and healthcare providers such as GPs, dentist, pharmacy and opticians to keep the population healthy.

"Appleby does look after itself but we have to measure it and not let it slip," said Cllr Hayes, "and really recognise that the wonderful NHS is always on a tightrope."

Dr Hayes, who works in clinical research at Newcastle University, said the project arose after a week-long visit to Appleby by the "Chatty Van" - the vehicle used by Healthwatch Cumbria to gather views from people in rural areas about their experiences of health and social care.

Dr Hayes said the comments ranged from supportive to "could do better", and the town council had been keen to take the project forward and to build on improvements that were already happening in local healthcare.

"We hope to link up all the health agencies and ultimately improve our population health's that is already well served," he said.

"The aim is to get to the heart of Appleby."

Dr Hayes said it was still early days for the project, but this autumn it was hoped to reach out to Appleby's primary school children and their parents, to help nurture and support the mental health of the whole family.

"Stable mental health is something for everyone to look out for and contribute to," said the Healthwatch ambassador.

The first project looks set to take place in May, with the aim of helping residents to become more aware of stroke as a condition, and how to recognise and deal with the early symptoms.