Bolton’s Public Health’s Annual Report 2022 is now available, presenting an updated picture of the health of people living in the borough.
Two important topics are explored in this year’s report; changing patterns of the population’s health and inequalities; and pressures affecting mental health and wellbeing.
Health inequalities are driven by a complex range of factors including the accessibility and quality of health and care services, individual behaviours and, most importantly, wider determinants such as housing and income, the physical, social and economic circumstances in which we live.
While those with mental health conditions are at greater risk of lower life expectancy as poor physical health and mental health are closely linked.
The report explores findings from the census and other data sources highlighting Bolton’s changing population and different views and experiences that exist across the borough’s communities.
It also signposts people to resources that can help them and where to go for more information.
Two of the main promotional campaigns are the ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing’ which focusses on helping people look after their and others mental health and ‘Let’s Keep Bolton Moving’ which support positive health and wellbeing.
Key factors affecting demand on public health services and positive outcomes include:
- Bolton’s population has grown to nearly 300,000, which embodies a rich diversity yet also retains a strong sense of community.
- The borough has been badly affected by Covid and the Cost of Living crises, and unlike physical injury, mental health problems are often hidden, and recovery takes time.
- We can help ourselves and others by supporting people’s mental wellbeing through the ‘5 ways to wellbeing’ which focusses on connect, give, take notice, be active and learn.
- There are a number of positive outcomes in the report that demonstrate the power of Bolton’s community coming together to take positive action.
Lynn Donkin, Bolton’s Director of Public Health said:
“In this year’s report we look at some important changes in the health of Bolton’s population.
“It’s worrying to see the worsening trend in life expectancy and the increasing differences in health between different groups of people and communities within the borough.
“Whilst this trend is seen elsewhere, Bolton’s residents suffer poorer health on average and these inequalities in health are unfair and avoidable.
“The information and recommendations in the report show decision makers the health gaps and priorities that need to be addressed.”
Cllr Linda Thomas, Bolton Council’s Executive Member for Adult's Services, Health and Wellbeing said:
“Bolton faces tough times ahead in addressing the rising health inequalities and negative mental health effects which have been aggravated by the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis.
“Improving the town’s health is a priority and needs to run through everything we do.
“This Public Health report creates a rallying cry to set a positive direction to achieve this for everyone in Bolton.
“I look forward to working closely with Public Health, council departments, NHS, other partner organisations plus Community Champions and everyone in our local communities to help make Bolton a happier and healthier place where we all can thrive.”
The Public Health report is available to read at Public Health Annual Report – Bolton JSNA