Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 4(4), pp. 218 - 224
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2016.040408
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The Occupational Role of the Lay Health Trainer in England: A Review of Practice

Rachel Williams ^1,*, Geoff Middleton ¹, Jacquelyn Allen-Collinson ¹, Ros Kane ², Adam Coussens ^1
1 School of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Lincoln, UK
² School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, UK

ABSTRACT

Health Trainers constitute an emergent occupational group in the Public Health system in England with the key purpose to reduce health inequalities by helping or 'nudging' people in local communities to adopt healthier lifestyles. Whilst primarily supplying health-related information and support regarding smoking cessation, diet, alcohol, physical activity and mental wellbeing issues, the role also requires awareness of, and sensitivity toward the specific needs of local communities. This literature review charts current research on the occupational context of the Health Trainer role since its implementation in the English Public Health system. It provides a critical examination of current literature whilst highlighting the theoretical basis of Health Trainers' roles, the potential boundary-crossing nature of their work, along with professional development issues.

KEYWORDS
Health Promotion, Health Trainer, Community Health Workers, Role-blurring, Career Development

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Rachel Williams , Geoff Middleton , Jacquelyn Allen-Collinson , Ros Kane , Adam Coussens , "The Occupational Role of the Lay Health Trainer in England: A Review of Practice," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 4, No. 4, pp. 218 - 224, 2016. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2016.040408.

(b). APA Format:
Rachel Williams , Geoff Middleton , Jacquelyn Allen-Collinson , Ros Kane , Adam Coussens (2016). The Occupational Role of the Lay Health Trainer in England: A Review of Practice. Universal Journal of Public Health, 4(4), 218 - 224. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2016.040408.