Recently published figures from Hampshire County Council’s Public Health team show that thousands of residents are benefiting from a wide range of local health and wellbeing programmes funded by the County Council, from strength and balance classes to quit smoking support. By helping people take positive steps to maintain their health earlier, issues can be prevented, conditions managed sooner and reliance on more specialist care reduced. This is especially important during the colder months when illness, falls and loneliness are more common.
Councillor Stephen Reid, Hampshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “Winter can be a difficult time for many people’s health, especially for older residents and those living with long‑term conditions. Simple actions really do add up. Every health check, every vaccine, every action to be more active and every step taken to improve wellbeing can make a real difference. By working closely with local communities and partners, our Public Health team is helping people look after themselves and stay independent for as long as possible.”
These are just some of the initiatives funded by Hampshire County Council that are helping people improve their health and wellbeing:
- Stop smoking and quit vaping support, helping people reduce their risk of long‑term illness
- Weight management services that support healthier lifestyles and reduce related health risks
- More than 125 Steady and Strong exercise classes across Hampshire, helping older residents improve strength and balance, reduce falls, and stay confident in everyday life
- Be Active encourages adults of all ages to make small changes that improve physical and mental wellbeing
- Mental Wellbeing Hampshire – a partnership of organisations offering targeted support for communities facing the greatest health challenges, including mental wellbeing and suicide prevention, domestic abuse, sexual and reproductive health, and substance misuse support
- NHS Health Checks that help spot early signs of heart disease and other conditions before they become more serious
The team is also working closely with planning and transport colleagues to help create healthier neighbourhoods, including better access to green spaces and safer routes for walking and cycling, making it easier for residents to stay active as part of everyday life.
This prevention-first approach supports the County Council’s priority to protect the most vulnerable residents and ease pressure on social care and health services.
Residents can find information about the local support on offer and simple steps they can take to feel healthier by visiting the County Council’s Public Health webpages.
NOTE:
Hampshire County Council continues to allocate its Public Health Grant as a ringfenced budget, ensuring it is used exclusively for public health functions. This approach supports the delivery of the Public Health Strategy 2023–2026, which focuses on prevention, reducing health inequalities, and improving healthy life expectancy across the County.