Cabinet backs updated Healthy City Plan

Four years on from its launch, Cabinet Members have endorsed Sunderland Health and Wellbeing Board's refreshed Healthy City Plan 2020-2035.

The updated plan, which is the statutory Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy for Sunderland, recognises the role everyone can play in strengthening the building blocks of health, as well as showcasing a number of achievements since it was approved in 2021.

The "building blocks of health" are the essential conditions that shape our ability to live healthy lives.

These include factors such as our income, education, employment, housing, social connections, the food we eat and the physical environment.

The plan sets out how strengthening these building blocks through coordinated action will help address disparities where they exist across the city and improve health. This means thinking about health in everything we do - from schools and employers, to housing, transport, and community spaces.

Councillor Kelly Chequer, Sunderland City Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Safer Communities, said: "Since the Healthy City Plan was launched in 2021, we've made real progress. Smoking rates have fallen. Breastfeeding rates are up. Fewer older people are being admitted to hospital due to falls. And alcohol-related hospital admissions for under-18s have more than halved.

"We're working better together. Family Hubs are supporting children and families, and Links for Life Sunderland is connecting people in communities with services, activities, and each other, including walking groups, money advice or just someone to talk to.

"But challenges remain. Too many people in Sunderland are still being held back from good health.

"Experiencing poverty, discrimination or having a disability are some of the things that can make accessing the key building blocks of health even harder, shaping how long and how well we live. Together, we must address the key health challenges where they exist across the city.

"We are making improvements, but there's more to do. We all have a role to play in making Sunderland a healthy, thriving city.

"The people of Sunderland must be at the heart of everything we do, guiding and shaping where we prioritise our efforts."

The refreshed Healthy City Plan has twelve new priorities, under the themes of Healthy Places, Healthy Communities and Healthy People:

Healthy Places

• An accessible and friendly city
• A green and healthy city
• Healthy homes for all
• Leading by example

Healthy Communities

• Financial wellbeing
• Good work for all 
• Stronger and connected communities
• Neighbourhood support and services

Healthy People

• Best start in life
• Engagement in education and training
• Living well  all stages of life
• Access to health and social care when we need it

Cllr Chequer added: "We need to support people who face the greatest barriers to good health and wellbeing and tailor our work to meet their needs. The Health and Wellbeing Board is committed to leading and influencing action across the city to improve health and reduce inequalities."