Goal 5: A place where people care for each other
What will change
- People stay well in their own homes and are responsible 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
- Collaborate to develop innovative approaches that empower individuals using health services. Focus on the prevention of conditions that affect the heart.
- Implement the community-led 'We're All Active Calderdale' programme to promote physical activity that is easy, accessible and appealing.
- Sustain the funding of Staying Well Hubs and community organisations that deliver vital health and wellbeing services.
- Work with local mental health services/charities to empower residents, establish peer support networks and increase volunteering.
- Use community events to share health information and strengthen connections.
- Enhance access to health by working with local pharmacies.
- Advocate for increased funding in accessible mental health services to better support community needs.
- Launch initiatives to reduce smoking and increase cancer screening
- Address 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 COVID has been more severe here, making worse existing disparities in health, wealth and well-being.
Common among residents are conditions, such as:
- heart disease;
- and respiratory issues, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.
Also, 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.
- 30% of adults do not do the recommended minimum of 30 minutes of exercise per week.
- This is compared to 24% across Calderdale as a whole.
It is crucial to address these health disparities to foster a supportive environment where all residents can thrive. A focus on community well-being is essential. This is to make sure that everyone has access to the care and resources they need to lead healthier lives.
Evidence base
- 7.1% of residents report 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 aim was to rebuild pride, strengthen the community and support our 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 to enrich 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 are 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.