Health & Wellbeing VCS Forum

What is health?
‘A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, not merely absence of disease or infirmity’ (World Health Organisation definition)

Health issues in Preston
Coronary heart disease and cancer are the main causes of death of people under the age of 75 in Preston, with residents from the most deprived areas being disproportionately affected. These health inequalities have resulted in Preston being designated with ‘Spearhead area’ status. Preston has relatively high levels of smoking, alcohol consumption, teenage pregnancy, low-weight babies and infant mortality.

The PSP’s Health & Wellbeing group works to improve health and enhance well-being and reduce health inequalities and improve length of life by supporting healthy lifestyles

The World Health Organisation Preston Healthy City Programme
Preston has been designated a WHO Healthy City. This recognises the particilar health problems and inequalities of Preston and sets them in the wider context of social, environmental and economic issues. The Healthy City Governance Group is working to priortise and mainstream health improvement throughout the city. 

Click on  'Network Representatives tab ' of the homepage to see who your Community Network representatives on the PSP Health and Wellbeing and Healthy City Governance groups are)

Role of our Health & Wellbeing VCS Forum in health improvement

Better public health can only be achieved by the public/voluntary/community/faith and private sectors all working together with the people of Preston. Local people should be involved in improving health through their own contributions and actions and be able to release their potential and create more cohesive, supportive, healthier and safer communities. The Community Network's Health & Wellbeing VCS Forum aims to increase knowledge and develop understanding within the voluntary and community sector of the complex issues around health, well-being and health inequalities so that we can work with, and deliver services to our local community which improve health and wellbeing for all.

For reports and minutes of previous Health & Wellbeing Forum meeings see right:-