Westmorland and Furness Council is proud to announce the launch of the first Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy and accompanying Action Plan for Westmorland and Furness.
This week (Monday 30 September), at a meeting of the Health and Wellbeing Board, a two-year action plan was agreed in line with the new Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy for 2024 to 2034.
The strategy sets out an ambitious 10-year plan to improve the health and wellbeing of our population and address health inequalities. It also describes how members of the Health and Wellbeing Board will work together to meet the current and future health needs of everyone living in Westmorland and Furness.
The action plan is the first in a series of shorter-term action plans which sit alongside the strategy and outline how the strategy translates into action to tackle both immediate and longer-term health needs. This first action plan details the Board’s initial delivery plan and evaluation measures.
Councillor Jonathan Brook, Chair of the Westmorland and Furness Health and Wellbeing Board, and Leader of the Council, said:
"Our new Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy and Action Plan mark a significant step forward for Westmorland and Furness. They are a collective effort, shaped by the invaluable input from our voluntary and community organisations, healthcare partners, and local businesses.
“At its core, the strategy and action plan are about equality and ensuring that every resident, regardless of background or circumstance, has access to the resources and support they need to live a happy and healthy life. By working together, we can build a healthier, more equitable future for Westmorland and Furness.”
Councillor Patricia Bell, Cabinet Member for Adult Care, added:
“In recent years, we have faced unprecedented challenges such as COVID-19 that have highlighted the critical importance of health and wellbeing and the growing recognition of mental health alongside physical health.
"This strategy and action plan encapsulate a shared vision for creating a healthier, happier, and more resilient community where everyone has the opportunity to lead a fulfilling life.
“We are fortunate to have strong partnerships, within and beyond our Health and Wellbeing Board, and working together will be instrumental in delivering this vision and laying the foundation for lasting change.”
The strategy and action plan have been developed through close collaboration between Westmorland and Furness Council, Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear Foundation Trust, Cumbria CVS, Enterprising Cumbria, Westmorland and Furness Healthwatch, the Cumbria Third Sector Network and residents of Westmorland and Furness.
Jane Scattergood, Director of Health and Social Care Integration for Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, said:
“The launch of the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy signifies a transformative approach to addressing the health needs of our communities in Westmorland and Furness.
“By listening to lived experiences and working collaboratively, we're building a future where health services are more effective, accessible, and truly reflective of the needs of our residents.”
Ed Tallis, Director of Delivery for Northeast and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), added:
“The NENC ICB has been involved in the development of this strategy and welcomes it in its entirety. It is a strategy that requires the true integrations of all of our service providers, and we look forward to supporting this roll out.”