Personal trainers could be provided by the National Health Service (NHS) to advise the public on health issues if the government’s White Paper on public health is approved.

Accredited by the NHS to have proven skills to help people make health and lifestyle changes, the trainers would initially support people in high need areas by 2006, before the scheme is rolled out across Britain from 2007.

The White Paper says the trainers will be in touch with the realities of the lives of the people they work with and will ‘become an essential common-sense resource in the community to help out on health choices.’

It stresses that the NHS health trainers will act as guides and provide support only for those who want help and not as instructors for those who don’t.

Another initiative which could launch in 2006 in areas with the biggest health challenges would be the personal health kit. The aim of the tool is to help people identify their priorities for health and the changes they feel ready to make. People will receive online guidance about what will make the most impact to their lives and receive tailored advice on how to make changes.

Speaking at the launch of the report, health secretary John Reid, said: “People make their own choices about health, but they have made plain in our consultation that they want the information, advice and support in making their own choices.”

Other initiatives in the report include the launch of Health Direct, a telephone, internet and digital television service offering accessible and confidential information on health choices.

The government also wants to promote walking and cycling to schools and will fund around 250 local authority-based school travel advisors to help schools develop and implement travel plans. The use of pedometers to promote awareness of the benefits of physical activity among school pupils will also be assessed.

“We have listened to the public about what they want and looked hard at the evidence of what is effective. There is a role for everyone in this.” said Reid.