A COUNCILLOR has launched a petition urging health chiefs in Argyll and Bute to protect funding for a key health service in Oban.
The ADAPT programme is a 12-week specialist project delivered by Healthy Options in the town, for people newly-diagnosed or needing specialist support for a long-term health condition.
Councillor Amanda Hampsey (Conservative, Oban South and the Isles) has now asked for the integration joint board (IJB) of the area’s health and social care partnership (HSCP) to recognise the programme’s importance.
The IJB will set the HSCP’s budget for the 2026/27 financial year on Wednesday, March 25, with a public consultation having run since the end of January.
Councillor Hampsey said: “The ADAPT programme is a vital community-based health initiative that supports people living with long-term health conditions.
“Through a structured 12-week programme, participants receive education, support and practical tools to help them manage their health, improve wellbeing and remain active and independent.
“Participants are typically referred by GPs and health professionals, ensuring that people receive the right support at the right time while helping to prevent conditions from worsening.
“Healthy Options works in partnership with Argyll and Bute HSCP as part of the Living Well programme, supporting people with long-term conditions in community settings rather than hospital or clinical environments.
“There are concerns that funding from Argyll and Bute HSCP may be reduced or withdrawn, which could significantly impact the ADAPT programme and the support available to people across Oban, Lorn and surrounding communities.
“At a time when health services face increasing demand, programmes like ADAPT represent exactly the kind of preventative, community-led solutions that improve health outcomes while reducing pressure on primary care and hospital services.
“The Argyll and Bute Integrated Joint Board (IJB) is responsible for planning and allocating health and social care resources across the region.
“We therefore call on the IJB and HSCP leadership to recognise the proven value of the ADAPT programme and ensure its continued support.”
The petition can be accessed at change.org/p/protect-funding-for-the-adapt-programme-in-oban-999e498d-d18f-49a6-8546-4f73b2d1db93
