Last week (18 May) a new Health and Wellbeing strategy was adopted by Ealing’s cabinet members. The new strategy focuses on reducing inequalities by addressing the building blocks of health and wellbeing – working closely with residents and other local organisations.
Together in Ealing
Titled ‘Together in Ealing’, the strategy has been developed by the Health and Wellbeing Board (HWB) which comprises of council and NHS representatives, and voluntary and community organisations in Ealing. It has also been informed by the views and experiences of residents, partner organisations, and community groups.
“Focus on tackling inequalities and a culture of prevention”
Council leader Peter Mason said: “This strategy is a milestone in designing a plan to bring together all the different factors that support a person’s health, to tackle inequalities and to focus on a culture of prevention. The strategy will address these factors and will give communities the opportunity to influence decisions and take into consideration their needs, wherever they live across Ealing’s seven towns.”
Building blocks of health
While diet, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle are important factors to living a happy and healthy life, the strategy focuses on the wider elements that can impact health. These ‘building blocks of health and wellbeing’ include factors such as: housing quality and security, green spaces and the environment, availability of transport, good jobs, financial support, accessibility of services, support from family and friends, and a sense of connection to community.
Together in Ealing outlines the following key commitments:
- Putting communities at the heart of everything by having a culture of listening and learning from community conversations and developing new models of working with our local communities
- Making sure systems and structures leave no one behind and promote healthier opportunities for all
- Working as a stronger partnership to improve the building blocks of health and wellbeing so we collectively tackle the root causes of inequalities.
Councillor Josh Blacker, who chairs the Health and Wellbeing Board, said: “This strategy is a major step forward in improving the health and wellbeing of people in our borough, as we connect more closely with partner organisations, and work together to address wider factors that impact health and wellbeing from housing to good jobs, the quality of services, to improving the air we breathe, we want to see the residents of Ealing living healthier and happier lives, where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
The council has made a commitment to each of the individual seven towns by working across each of them to gain a better understanding of local needs, and to design services and structures that will work for all.
