Social marketing centre launches in England

The days of simply telling people what is good for them are over, said England's deputy chief medical officer Fiona Adshead at the official launch of the National Social Marketing Centre this week.

The centre is part of the National Consumer Council, a body that represents the views of consumers but is funded largely by government. It represents a major focus of the health department's new strategy, outlined in its public health white paper Choosing Health, to use marketing techniques and involve the business sector in promoting healthier lifestyles.

The centre is already closely involved in preparing next year's health promotion campaign on …