Why a Year of Health and Wellbeing?

Acting now to maintain and improve the health and wellbeing of the population of Hampshire is critical if we are to achieve the vision of a healthy and prosperous Hampshire in 2050. The conditions in which we are born, grow, learn, live, work, relax and play are the key building blocks for health.

Actions to shape our policies, services and partnerships can support people to adopt and maintain healthy behaviours which will help protect their current and future health. We know actions that improve the health of our population will also have a positive impact on economic prosperity, enabling people to have productive and independent lives, as well as reducing demand for health and social care.

Many measures to support population health improvement also have important co-benefits in tackling environmental pollution and climate change.

Tackling poor health and wellbeing is essential for Hampshire’s prosperity. It is critical to take action now to improve physical activity, mental wellbeing and childhood obesity through the ‘Year of Health and Wellbeing’.

Embedding these actions beyond just one year is necessary if we are to achieve long-lasting improvements for Hampshire’s health and wellbeing; and reduce health inequalities and enable Hampshire’s future populations to continue to thrive and be successful.