GLOUCESTERSHIRE residents are bring invited to take part in a national study on flooding and health to gauge the impact it has on wellbeing.

Public Heath England is conducting the first ever long term study on flooding and health and will be in contact with flood affected residents across the county.

National Study on Flooding and Health - Gloucestershire residents asked to participate

Supported by Gloucestershire County Council, Public Heath England is asking a sample of householders affected by the severe flooding last winter to complete a health questionnaire.

They want to hear from people directly affected by flooding, those whose lives were disrupted and in order to compare the possible impacts of the flooding it also wants to hear from those in the area that were unaffected.

If you get a questionnaire, the agency asks that you don’t ignore it. By completing and returning it, you will be helping PHE understand the possible impacts of flooding on health.

Dr Isabel Oliver, Director of Field Epidemiology Service at Public Health England and co-ordinator of the study said:“This is the first ever long term study into the impact of flooding on health and wellbeing. We are writing to households across the country and we very much hope that people will return our questionnaire and join this important study.

“So, if you receive a letter from Public Health England inviting you to take part in this important study, please help us to build a picture of how the floods affected people’s lives by completing it and returning it to us. It only takes 20 minutes and your participation in this research project could be crucial.”