Goal 5: A place where people care for each other
What will change
- People stay well in their own homes and take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing.
- People have strong social networks and good emotional health and wellbeing.
- Health outcomes for people in North Halifax are in line with the rest of Calderdale.
How will we do it
- Collaborating to develop innovative approaches that empower individuals using health services. Focusing on the prevention of conditions that affect the heart.
- Implementing the community-led ‘We’re All Active Calderdale’ programme to promote physical activity that is easy, accessible, and appealing.
- Sustaining the funding of Staying Well Hubs and community organisations delivering vital health and wellbeing services.
- Working with local mental health services and charities to empower residents and establish peer support networks and increase volunteering.
- Using community events to share health information and strengthen connections.
- Enhancing access to heath through collaboration with local pharmacies.
- Advocating for increased funding in accessible mental health services to better support community needs.
- Launching initiatives to reduce smoking and increase cancer screening
- Addressing barriers to accessing health information online.
Why it is a priority
North Halifax faces significant health challenges, with a higher prevalence of chronic illnesses compared to other areas. The impact of the Covid pandemic has been particularly severe here, exacerbating existing disparities in health, wealth, and well-being.
Conditions like heart disease and respiratory issues, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, are more common among residents. Additionally, lifestyle factors contribute to these health concerns:
- One in four adults smoke.
- There is a notable percentage of people with a body mass index of 30 or higher.
The community also shows low participation in cancer screenings and a concerning lack of physical activity. With 30% of adults not meeting the recommended minimum of 30 minutes of exercise per week. This is compared to 24% across Calderdale as a whole.
Addressing these health disparities is crucial for fostering a supportive environment where all residents can thrive. A focus on community wellbeing is essential. This is to ensure that everyone has access to the care and resources they need to lead healthier lives.
Evidence base
- 7.1% of residents reporting bad or very bad health.
- 69.28% of people breastfeeding at delivery reduces to 39.45% at 6-8 weeks.
- Life expectancy in Ovenden is almost 4 years less than the Calderdale average.
How we will assess progress
- Number of ‘We’re All Active Calderdale’ initiatives and improvements.
- Percentage smoking at delivery.
- Standardised mortality rates for chronic respiratory conditions.
Case study
A community revitalised: Breathing new life into cherished community spaces
In Mixenden, residents said their parks felt neglected and had fallen into disrepair. Broken glass, litter, and outdated play equipment made the spaces unsafe, forcing families to seek recreation elsewhere.
To address this, various funding sources were combined. The amin was to rebuild pride and strengthen the community while supporting the council’s climate action commitments. The goal was not just renovation, but the creation of a safe, engaging, and sustainable environment. A place for families to gather and thrive.
Community involvement was key, with focus groups including residents, children, and teenagers ensuring the designs met their needs. Together, they envisioned modern, accessible play equipment, shelter and shaded areas, and safer paths.
The results are remarkable. Sunny Bank Park and Mixenden Urban Park now feature vibrant play areas, three newly surfaced courts, a multi -use games area (MUGA), basketball pitch, and cycle tracks, along with nature and history trails enriching the community’s connection to the environment.
At the grand opening, hundreds of families gathered to explore the revitalized parks. This transformation not only beautified the area but also ignited a renewed sense of ownership among residents. As one resident said, “When we’re looked after, like we deserve to be looked after, we look after ourselves!” This sentiment resonates throughout the North Halifax Strategy, reinforcing the importance of community engagement in maintaining their shared spaces.