A NEW strategy for Warwickshire aims to address the root causes of poor health and target different priorities in each area of the county.
Warwickshire’s Health and Wellbeing Board (HWBB) has approved a new strategy to improve health and tackle inequalities over the next five years.
The strategy recognises that factors such as housing, education and employment influence 80 per cent of residents’ health and wellbeing.
It aims to address different priorities for Rugby, South Warwickshire and North Warwickshire, to reflect the inequalities in health across the county and recognise that different communities have differing needs.
The Board aims to support good mental health by improving early detection and support, and addressing pressures like family stress, poverty and social isolation.
The strategy also aims to tackle poverty and health inequalities by taking into account the health implications of decisions about housing, transport, planning, jobs and the environment.
The Board also plans to encourage physical activity and healthy eating, and provide better support to families experiencing child poverty.
Coun Anne-Marie Sonko, Chair of the HWBB and Portfolio Holder for Social Care and Health at Warwickshire County Council, said: “We are committed to working with our partners to improve the building blocks of good health and recognising the differences in health that exist across the county.
“We will consider health and wellbeing in all that we do and will focus on the actions needed locally so that residents can live well in Warwickshire.”
Crishni Waring, Vice-Chair of the HWBB and Chair of Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board added: “We are focused on turning ambition into action – working together to prevent ill-health, reduce inequalities and create the conditions for healthier, happier communities.
“The strategy aims to improve residents’ lives by addressing the root causes of poor health rather than just treating illness.
“By organisations working in partnership, there is a joined-up approach to things like community care, housing and disease prevention, ensuring that a meaningful difference is made to the health of people in Warwickshire.”
Under the previous Health and Wellbeing Strategy for 2021-26, 1,000 health checks for veterans living in areas of deprivation were carried out, Lillington Health Hub was opened in 2024, and the Time to Talk initiative was introduced to better support children’s communication development.
Visit https://tinyurl.com/3dxvcpsh to read Warwickshire’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2026-2031.
