People are being asked to have their say over a new evidence-based strategy aimed at helping residents in Tendring to lead healthier lives.
Tendring District Council’s (TDC) Cabinet has backed the draft Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which is now out for public consultation.
Tendring faces higher-than-average levels of preventable long-term conditions, poorer mental health, obesity, and lower physical activity levels compared to other areas in Essex.
This draft strategy identifies key objectives to help improve the health and wellbeing of residents, including addressing the district’s health inequalities, enhancing wellbeing, promoting healthier lifestyles, improving the management of long-term conditions and focusing on suicide prevention.
A report said that although the council may not be able to fund all the suggested actions, adopting the plan will enable the council to seek external funding.
These include continuing to work closely with health partners to deliver targeted initiatives, such as using partnership funding to help deliver housing and environmental improvements, addressing suicide, as well as integrating physical activity sessions at Wellbeing Hubs in schools and on-going partnership work around the Essex Pedal Power scheme.
Councillor Gina Placey, TDC Cabinet Member for Partnerships, said: "Put simply, the vision of this strategy is to help people live healthier, independent and more fulfilling lives for longer.
“We will continue working with our partners to address the challenges we face, such as deteriorating mental health, rising obesity rates, and the need for more physical activity.
“However, with some of the best open space and coastline in the county and a thriving voluntary sector, there is huge opportunity to protect our communities going forward.
“With everyone striving to work together, we can better improve the quality of life for our residents.”
The draft Health and Wellbeing Strategy also aligns with the council’s Sport and Physical Activity Strategy, recognising the importance of physical activity in improving health outcomes.
The council is urging all stakeholders, including the local Health Alliance, statutory partners, the voluntary sector and residents to participate in the consultation to ensure the strategy reflects the community's needs and aspirations.
The strategy will also be presented at the Community Safety Partnership and Health and Wellbeing Board to gain the views of the council’s partners.
The final strategy will be reviewed and adopted by the Cabinet after considering the consultation feedback.
The eight-week consultation opened today (Monday, 31 March) and closes on 1 June. To have your say, go to www.tendringdc.gov.uk/consultations.
