Improving well-being and health across the borough
Our goal is to ensure that the health and well-being of all Camden residents improves.
Why this issue is important
Numerous factors affect our health and chance of illness. Many of these can be influenced by public services, such as environmental and housing conditions.
More general well-being, including the opportunity to develop and have personal interests, is important for everyone. The NHS is responsible for providing services to treat many conditions. However, other aspects of health can only be improved by people themselves, including stopping smoking and having an active lifestyle.
In Camden, we have a relatively high proportion of working-age people, especially adults aged 20 to 44 years, who are often balancing work, family commitments and social activities which may make it difficult for them to connect to the local community. We also have other important sections of the population. Children and young people are the future of the borough and their well-being is important to make sure they develop to their full potential.
Older people, many of whom are living longer, want to maintain an independent way of life and to make an active contribution to the community.
What is already being done
Every year the local Director of Public Health assesses the state of health and well-being in the borough. The findings are published in an annual report that also sets out the initiatives in place to tackle them.
There is strong evidence that we can have a significant impact on people's health through reducing smoking, reducing obesity, improving sexual and mental health, and by reducing the harm caused by alcohol.
Camden also has a Children and Young People's Plan that focuses on maximising the life chances and choices for all our children and young people who live, learn and grow up in Camden.
We also work, through social care and in other ways, to make sure older people maintain their independence and continue to get involved in the local community.
Here are some of the specific aims we are working towards:
- reducing smoking
- promoting healthy eating and physical activity
- improving access to sexual health services
- reducing the incidence of diseases like cancer and coronary heart disease
- ensuring a range of services and accommodations are available to meet the needs and aspirations of an ageing population
- minimising the incidence of child abuse and neglect
- increasing the numbers of vulnerable adults living independently in their own homes, with support if need be
What people have told us
People thought they should be encouraged to take greater care of their own health, including getting involved in sport and physical activity. There was also some support for promoting healthy eating.
There was a strong message from older people that they have a great deal to contribute to society as active citizens and that more should be done to avoid older people becoming isolated.
Children and young people were particularly concerned with community safety, improving facilities for young people, sexual health, bullying and having the opportunity to contribute positively to Camden as a place to live, learn and grow up in. They also said that places to go in their free time were very important but that cost could sometimes restrict them.
What the Council and its partners will do
- take action to reduce smoking
- promote healthy behaviour including healthy eating and physical activity
- provide opportunities for everyone to stay healthy, keep learning and have full and active lives
- maximise the life chances and choices for all our children and young people who live, learn and grow up in Camden
- work with people facing the disabling effects of physical or mental ill health so they can continue to make a positive contribution
How local people can contribute
- making changes to your lifestyle, by walking more, undertaking more physical activity and stopping smoking
- making sure children and young people in your care have access to healthy food and take part in physical activity
- making the most of learning activities that families can do together, out-of-school learning, and cultural and recreational opportunities
