SOME 70,000 people are taking part in a health and lifestyle survey – one of the biggest ever in Kirklees.

Personal behaviour, aspirations, smoking, diet and physical activity are among the topics covered.

Employment and living conditions will also be included in one of the most detailed surveys ever carried out in Kirklees.

Feedback from the survey will help shape the future of health services in the borough.

It will also help the health organisations estimate the number of working days lost to ill health each year.

It is being carried out by Kirklees Primary Care Trust and Kirklees Council.

Deborah Collis, assistant director of public health at Kirklees PCT said: “We want to get behind the scenes and find out more and understand what life is really like for people in the area in terms of health, social standing, quality of life and general well-being.

“Many services impact on health so it is important to work together on this survey to get the maximum amount of information from it, which will enable us to plan for the future.”

Residents in Batley, Dewsbury, Denby Dale, Huddersfield north and south, Kirkburton, Mirfield and the valleys are being sent the questionnaires in the coming weeks.

Organisers Ipsos MORI North will collate all the information and report back to the PCT with their findings.

Clr Margaret Bates, cabinet member for adult and social services, said: “The council and its partners work very closely together on strategies and plans for improving the health and well being of residents across Kirklees.

“This survey is extremely important in enabling us to pinpoint the priority areas to be addressed and tackled and making sure that the services we provide, and investment into those services, reflect the needs of the community as a whole.”

It follows on from the 2005 Current Living in Kirklees survey which involved 35,000 homes.

After receiving the results, the PCT set up a number of schemes aimed at improving services for residents.

They offered more support to people wanting to become physically active and worked closely with people with heart disease and diabetes.

They also set up the Better Health at Work project to support workers and workplaces in becoming healthier and safer.

If you would like a questionnaire but haven’t received one, contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service on 01484 466 172.