The residents of Essex are being called upon to help shape the future of health and wellbeing across the county. The Essex Health and Wellbeing Board, led by Essex County Council, has launched a major public consultation on its emerging Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy for 2026 to 2029.
A Collaborative Vision for a Healthier Essex
This new strategy is the result of extensive collaboration across the public sector. It brings together the NHS, local and county councils, the police, and other key health partners. The document sets out a shared vision to help people in Essex live healthier, happier lives. Crucially, it looks beyond traditional healthcare services to address the wider social and economic factors that fundamentally influence wellbeing.
Councillor John Spence, Chairman of the Health and Wellbeing Board and Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Integration at Essex County Council, emphasised the strategy's timing. "Our new Health and Wellbeing Strategy comes at a time of major change for Essex," he said. "Its purpose is to help health partners focus on what matters most."
Four Key Priorities for Public Feedback
The board is asking residents to give their opinions on four core priorities that will guide the strategy's implementation. These priorities reflect a holistic understanding of health, connecting it to life opportunities and community infrastructure.
The proposed key priorities are:
- Improving life chances for children and young people: Focusing on ensuring children grow up happy, safe, and shielded from the impacts of poverty.
- Helping more people into and stay in work: Supporting employment and skills development to create future opportunities.
- Building healthy, resilient and connected communities: Creating environments and places that actively promote health, social connection, and easy access to support.
- Creating opportunities to improve health and reduce the impact of poor health: Encouraging healthy lifestyles, supporting mental wellbeing, and tackling substance misuse.
Shaping the Future Together
Councillor Spence highlighted the importance of this integrated approach. "By working together and addressing issues like housing, education and jobs, we can build a healthier and stronger Essex for the future," he stated. He directly appealed to the public, adding, "We want to hear your views on the key priorities we’ve set out, so please have your say and help shape the areas you think we should focus on."
The consultation represents a significant opportunity for Essex residents to influence how local authorities and health services plan and work together. The strategy acknowledges that factors such as employment, housing, transport, education, and the environment are all critical determinants of long-term health outcomes.
The public consultation is open now and will run until February 3. All Essex residents are encouraged to participate and contribute their perspectives to this important county-wide plan.
