The figures come as Hampshire County Council launches its new Public Health Strategy for 2026 to 2030, setting out a vision to give every resident the opportunity to live a longer, healthier and more independent life. The strategy focuses on giving children the best start in life, supporting healthy ageing, creating healthier places and communities, preventing ill health before it starts, promoting mental wellbeing, and reducing gaps in health between different communities.
Delivering results through prevention
The latest progress report, presented to the County Council’s Cabinet, shows strong foundations are already in place to support delivery of these ambitions.
Highlights include:
- Smoking rates continue to fall, dropping from 9.4% to 8.6% and remaining below the national average.
- More than 40,700 NHS health checks delivered, helping residents identify risks such as heart disease and stroke earlier.
- Over 16,700 young people helping shape local wellbeing services through the #BeeWell survey.
- More than 5,000 people supported through drug and alcohol treatment and recovery services, helping residents improve both physical and mental wellbeing.
“These achievements show the real difference that prevention can make to people’s lives,” said Councillor Joanne Burton, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing at Hampshire County Council. “From falling smoking rates and record numbers of NHS Health Checks, to support for children and families, mental wellbeing, recovery services and healthier communities, we’re helping residents stay well and maintain their independence.
“Good health is influenced by far more than healthcare alone. The places we live, work and spend time in, our connections with others, our opportunities to be active, and the support available when we need it all play an important role.
“Our new Public Health Strategy builds on this progress and sets out a clear ambition for the next four years. We want Hampshire to be a place where everyone has the best possible start in life, can stay healthy and independent for longer, and has the opportunity to enjoy good health regardless of where they live or their circumstances.”
Supporting healthier lives and communities
The progress highlights the range of Hampshire’s prevention work, including the expansion of Best Start Family Hubs and initiatives such as Live Longer Better Hampshire, which helps older residents remain active, healthy and connected.
Work has also continued to create healthier places and communities, with public health specialists working alongside planners, transport teams and local partners to help shape places that support good health. This includes improving access to green spaces, making it easier and safer for people to walk and cycle, supporting good-quality housing and strengthening community connections.
The new Public Health Strategy will guide work by Hampshire County Council and its partners from 2026 to 2030, with a focus on helping people stay healthier for longer and supporting strong, thriving communities.