Knowsley Health and Wellbeing Board recently provided an update on its progress in delivering the recommendations set out in the All Together Fairer independent report.
The report, launched by the Institute of Health Equality in May 2022, highlighted the significant levels of deprivation and health inequalities across Cheshire and Merseyside, with Knowsley ranking in the bottom half when compared with the nine local authorities in the region. An extensive list of recommendations was also published to help tackle the issues based around 8 key principles:
- Give every child the best start in life.
- Enable all children, young people and adults to maximise their capabilities and have control over their lives.
- Create fair employment and good work for all.
- Ensure a healthy standard of living for all.
- Create and develop healthy and sustainable places and communities.
- Strengthen the role and impact of ill-health prevention.
- Tackle racism, discrimination and their outcomes.
- Pursue environmental sustainability and health equity together
Following the publication of the report, The Knowsley Health and Wellbeing Board endorsed the findings and began working to implement the recommendations that were set out. The board has worked closely with partners both locally and across the region to identify work that was already underway and detect any gaps.
The latest update report highlighted excellent progress, with local activity already underway.
The board noted that the implementation of the Knowsley 2030 Strategy and the Knowsley Offer by the Council and partners has helped to address many of the recommendations, with a number of significant steps having been taken in the last year.
As part of a commitment to improving mental health across the borough and reduce stigma, The Knowsley Health and Wellbeing Board has joined the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health and three partner organisations have signed up to the Beacon Counselling Trust’s Workplace Charter to Reduce Gambling Related Harm.
In addition, work continues on developing Family Hubs and a community-centred population health approach in Northwood.
Some stakeholders have also used the recommendations to strengthen activity and shape the development of programmes and policies.
Cllr Christine Bannon, Cabinet Member for Health, said: “The All Together Fairer report was a sobering read and the Knowsley Health and Wellbeing Board has acted quickly to endorse the findings and start to address the issues our residents face.
“I am delighted to see the positive progress that has been made in the last 12 months and I am confident in the long-term planning to further improve health inequalities in the borough and ensure all residents can live long and healthy lives.”