Lifestyles management and community engagement in scoping a “health café”

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to underpin a scoping study commissioned by community leaders to assess the potential for creating a “health cafe” in the centre of Boston, in eastern England, UK, to facilitate healthier lifestyles. Design/methodology/approach – A mixed methods and framework analytic approach was adopted, using documentary, focus group, interview and survey data. The paper drew on social marketing principles to enhance the community relevance of findings. Findings – Community stakeholders and public were generally supportive of a “health cafe” facility in the town centre. Accessibility and a welcoming environment were seen as key factors. A wide range of health-related services in addition to providing healthy foods were proposed. Key issues identified were: a wider role of the facility as a community “health hub”; appropriate marketing approaches; food provision issues and sustainability. All groups contacted saw the word “health” as off-putting. Research limitations/implications –...